The Soyuz Types
There are several variations on the Soyuz ("union") type craft, and they have been used for a variety of programs.
Soyuz Soyuz 7K-OK/Soyuz 7K-OKS Credit: NASA |
Soyuz Ferry Soyuz 7K-T Credit: NASA |
The first manned Soyuz actually came in three basic forms. Soyuz 7K-OK was used for the Soyuz (1-9). The Soyuz 7K-OKS was flown for Soyuz 10 and 11. The major difference between the two was that the 7K-OKS had a better docking mechanism. Both had a crew capacity of 1 to 3, but to carry 3 crew members, the crew had to be unsuited.
Following the tragedy of Soyuz 11, the Soyuz 7K-T was introduced and flown for Soyuz 13-40. Soyuz 7K-T could carry only 2 suited crew members. The space previously used for a 3rd cosmonaut had additional life support systems. The 7K-T also did not have solar panels, and thus was limited to only 2 days of free flight. Batteries were recharged when docked. Soyuz 10-13,17,18,20,25-40 were Salyut missions, Soyuz 14,15,21,23,24 flew to Almaz, and Soyuz 16,19,22 were dedicated to ASTP. The 7K-T used for Soyuz 13, 16, 19 and 22 varied from the standard 7K-T in that they did have solar panels. Also, Soyuz 13 and 22 traded docking mechanizms for special cameras.
Left: Soyuz 7K-OK Right: Soyuz 7K-T
Credit: NASA
Soyuz T
Soyuz T
Credit: NASA
The Soyuz T was a heavily modified version of the original Soyuz and was adapted for use as a transport. It was used for the Salyut 6 and 7 space stations. The final Soyuz T ( Soyuz T-15) was a Mir mission, although it did pay a visit to Salyut 7 before returning to Earth.
Soyuz T featured solid state electronics, an upgraded onboard computer, the solar panels were returned, there was a new propulsion system, and there was the return to three cosmonaut capacity (this time all wearing spacesuits).
Soyuz TM
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| Credit: NASA | Credit: NASA |
The Soyuz TM craft are modifications of the Soyuz T and designed for use with Mir ( Soyuz TM-2-30). It can carry two or three cosmonauts. It was also used for the ISS (Soyuz TM-31-34).
Key improvements were to the docking system, an increased return payload capacity, and further propulsion system improvements.
Soyuz TMA
Soyuz TMA
This version of the Soyuz incorporates changes to satisfy NASA requirements for use as a lifeboat for the International Space Station. Changes include new cockpit displays, improved parachute systems, and more flexibility with the weight and height of the crew members.
Soyuz TMA-M
 Soyuz TMA-M |
 Cross-section of TMA-M |
| Credit: russianspaceweb.com | Credit: NASA TV |
This newer version upgrades the TMA by replacing
obsolete equipment with current generation equipment. There is a new
computer and digital avionics. Weight has been reduced by 154 pounds (70
kilograms).
The forward section in the left hand image is the orbital module. The center
section is the descent module, and the rear portion (with the solar arrays) is
the service module. Only the descent module survives reentry.
Soyuz MS
Soyuz MS
Credit: NASA
The Soyuz MS has new navigation, communication and onboard system upgrades. It can fly in free flight for up to 30 days. It redistributed equipment between the pressurized orbital and descent modules. This helps during the return portion of the flight because the orbital module does not require the heat protection of the descent module,
Lunar Soyuz (L1 Zond)
Credit: NASA
Another variation of the Soyuz family was the 7K-L1. This version was to allow a direct launch for circumlunar flight. It was used in the Zond ("probe") program, but was never used for a manned mission. There was also an L2 and L3 variant.
Progress Progress Credit: NASA |
Progress-M Progress M Credit: NASA |
Soyuz craft were also modified to be cargo vessels for delivering supplies to space stations. These are called "Progress". The Progress is composed of three sections: The Cargo Section carries food, clothing, scientific equipment, and other supplies for station operations. The Tanker Section carries fuel for the space station being supplied. The Propulsion Section contains the engines used for docking and space station lifts.
The first of the Progress were 7K-TG, and initially could carry 2,300 kg of cargo. This was later increased to 2,500 kg. This craft serviced the Salyut 6, Salyut 7, and Mir stations.
The second generation of these cargo craft is called "Progress M". The first series of Progress M (11F615A55) could carry 2,600 kg to orbit. The 11F615A60 was updated with digital flight controls and digital telemetry. The 11F615A55 served from 1989 to 2009, and 11F615A60 from 2008 to 2015. They both serviced the Mir and ISS stations.
The third generation was "Progress M1".The cargo capacity was reduced to 2,230 kg, but the mass of propellant for the station was increased. While the ISS was most served, there were a couple visits to Mir. The M1 flew from 2000 to 2004.
There was a Progress M2 proposed to service Mir2, but it was dropped.
The latest generation is designated Progress MS. Most of the Progress mission vessels have been destroyed upon reentry, although a few have carried cargo back and been recovered. The Progress MS is the most advanced Progress to date. Outdated equipment has been removed and replaced with digital systems. There is a new flight control system, new rendezvous system, and new communications and telemetry systems. More micrometeroid protection has been added, digital cameras installed, and a CubeSat deployment platform added. So far, all flights have been to the ISS.
Page last modified: 04 March 2026 16:25:17.
