1.13.2 Soyuz-TM Notable Features
- The Kurs rendezvous system, which permitted automatic dockings with an unresponsive space station, replaced the Igla system. Kurs could operate at greater distances from a station than Igla, and could lock on even if its antennas were not aligned with those on the target station; that is, the antennas were omnidi-
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- rectional and did not have to be in line of sight.
- 10-kg launch and reentry pressure suits, which in an emergency can protect the wearer in open space.
- Lighter parachutes, which take up less room in the descent module and save up to 140 kg of weight.
- Launch payload increased by 200-250 kg to 51.6° orbit; return payload increased by 70-90 kg.
- Improved propellant tanks—these featured metal membranes for
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- dividing the oxidizer from the fuel. Past Soyuz propellant systems used organic (plastic?) membranes which could leak, degrading engine performance.
- Improved communications gear—separate voice channels for each cosmonaut and improved reception quality.
- Improved landing radar altimeter.
- Lighter escape system motors.
- Triple redundant electrical systems, and redundant hydraulic systems.
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