Khrunichev Cold War Space Activities

All Soviet and Russian orbital stations were created at the enterprise, including Salyut, Almaz, Mir, all heavy modules that fit in with orbital stations in orbit, as well as triple return units. The launching into orbit of manned vehicles and their operation allowed to provide conditions for human work in outer space and enriched Russian science.

In the spring of 1961, VN Chelomey Design Bureau began designing the LV of the heavy class UR-500 (with a starting mass of 500 tons). On July 16, 1965, with its help, a scientific satellite "Proton" was brought to a low near-earth orbit, the name of which was subsequently fixed and behind a carrier rocket. This date is considered the birthday of the Proton LV.

In July 1965, it was decided to create a three-stage version of the UR-500 launch vehicle, which received the UR-500K (space) code. For the new rocket in the KB Korolyov Design Bureau, the upper stage of the block D was created. Already on March 10, 1967, the first three-stage rocket UR-500 K launched the Kosmos-146 spacecraft into orbit. This date is considered the birthday of the Proton-K LV. With the help of the Proton rocket, all domestic devices for exploring the Moon, Mars, Venus, Halley's comet, Kosmos, Ekran, Raduga, Horizon, satellites for the GLONASS orbital grouping, the base and all modules DOS "Mir", all modules of the Russian segment of the ISS, spacecraft of the GLONASS system. Proton-K has become one of the most cost-effective and reliable carriers in the world. "Proton-K" is the first domestic launch vehicle, accepted for commercial operation (1996). The final, 310th launch of Proton-K took place on March 30, 2012.

In the shops of the State Space Research and Production Center named after M.V. Khrunichev manufactured all Russian orbital stations: Salyut, Mir and Almaz, all heavy transport supply ships (TKS), which are connected with orbital stations in orbit.

The long-term orbital stations (DOS) of the first generation, which include Salyut, Salyut-2, Salyut-3, Salyut-4, Salyut-5, had only one docking station, which significantly limited the possibilities manned flight. Orbital stations of the second generation (Salyut-6, Salyut-7) had already two docking nodes, which ensured the permanent presence of replacement crews on board and greatly expanded their opportunities to participate in the research program.

For the delivery of cargo at the station "Salyut-6" and "Salyut-7" were used 20-ton transport supply ships (TCS) of the "Cosmos" series. TKS consisted of two separate elements: the functional-cargo block (FGB) and the return vehicle (VA). The first TSS (Cosmos-929) was launched into the orbit of the Proton LV on 17.07.1977. Four flying ships were manufactured at the enterprise: Kosmos-929, Kosmos -1267, Kosmos-1443, Kosmos-1686 ". TKS when working in the space complexes performed the following functions: correction of the orbit of the whole complex; carrying out dynamic operations; ensuring orientation and stabilization during scientific experiments; delivery and return of goods; ensuring the transition to new orbits (interorbital tug).

An important step in the development of space vehicles was the creation of automatic unmanned orbital stations "Almaz". The first of these, which received the designation "Kosmos-1870", operated in orbit from July 25, 1987 to July 30, 1989. High-quality radar images of the Earth's surface, obtained from the station, were used for the defense and national economy of the country. From March 31, 1991 to October 17, 1992, the Almaz-1 station operated in orbit with a modernized radar, which allowed to obtain an image of the Earth with high resolution.

The experimental apparatus "Polyus" of a 100-ton class was developed on the basis of a functional cargo block on a modular basis. It served as a payload for the first launch of the Energia launch vehicle on May 15, 1987. The "Polyus" spacecraft, performing the role of a weight-weight layout, was designed to obtain experimental data on conjugation with a carrier rocket - on dynamics, aerodynamic and acoustic loads and vibration.

The multipurpose, constantly operating Mir orbital complex was designed to implement the Russian national space program, as well as to carry out joint work on international cooperation programs. The launch of the base unit of the Mir complex, the Mir orbital station, was carried out on February 20, 1986. The station had two nodes, to which the Soyuz spacecraft could be docked for delivery and crew change, as well as unmanned modules for various purposes and cargo ships Progress.

Astrophysical module "Quant" was launched into orbit on March 31, 1987. The module housed astrophysical devices, an electrophoretic unit for obtaining in zero gravity ultrapure biologically active substances, equipment for visual observations of the earth's surface, service and experimental equipment. In December 1989 the module "Kvant-2" was included in the station, which was intended for equipping the complex with life support systems for cosmonauts and increasing its power-to-weight ratio. The module installed motion control systems using power gyroscopes, power supply systems, new installations for obtaining oxygen and water regeneration, household appliances.

On June 10, 1990, the module was docked with a module called Kristall, designed to develop new technologies for obtaining structural materials, semiconductors and biologics with improved properties under conditions of weightlessness. Androgynous docking node on the module "Crystal" was designed for docking with reusable ships such as "Buran" and "Shuttle".