In today's world, Soyuz-L has become a topic of great interest and relevance in various areas of society. From the scientific to the political sphere, Soyuz-L has captured the attention of researchers, academics, leaders and citizens in general, generating intense debate and analysis around its implications and repercussions. In this article, we will explore in detail the different facets and perspectives of Soyuz-L, examining its impact today and possible projections for the future. From its origin to its evolution, including its effects on the present, we will delve into a complete and exhaustive analysis of Soyuz-L, addressing its positive, negative and controversial aspects.
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Function | Carrier rocket |
---|---|
Manufacturer | OKB-1 |
Country of origin | Soviet Union |
Size | |
Height | 50 metres (160 ft) |
Diameter | 10.3 metres (34 ft) |
Mass | 300,000 kilograms (660,000 lb) |
Stages | Two |
Capacity | |
Payload to LEO | |
Mass | 5,500 kilograms (12,100 lb) |
Associated rockets | |
Family | R-7 |
Launch history | |
Status | Retired |
Launch sites | Baikonur Site 31/6 |
Total launches | 3 |
Success(es) | 3 |
First flight | 24 November 1970 |
Last flight | 12 August 1971 |
Type of passengers/cargo | LK |
Boosters | |
No. boosters | 4 |
Powered by | 1 RD-107-8D728 |
Maximum thrust | 995 kilonewtons (224,000 lbf) |
Specific impulse | 314 sec |
Burn time | 119 seconds |
Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
First stage | |
Powered by | 1 RD-108-8D727 |
Maximum thrust | 977 kilonewtons (220,000 lbf) |
Specific impulse | 315 sec |
Burn time | 291 seconds |
Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
Second stage | |
Powered by | 1 RD-0110 |
Maximum thrust | 294 kilonewtons (66,000 lbf) |
Specific impulse | 330 sec |
Burn time | 246 seconds |
Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
The Soyuz-L (Russian: Союз, meaning "union"), GRAU index 11A511L was a Soviet expendable carrier rocket designed by OKB-1 and manufactured by State Aviation Plant No. 1 in Samara, Russia. It was created to test the LK lunar lander in low Earth orbit, as part of the Soviet lunar programme.
The Soyuz-L was a derivative of the original Soyuz rocket featuring the reinforced first stage and boosters supporting the Molniya-M's third stage, so that it could carry a more massive payload. A larger payload fairing was also fitted, to accommodate the LK spacecraft. The Soyuz-L was only launched three times between 1970 and 1971, all successful. The later Soyuz-U used a similar configuration to the Soyuz-L.