Current status and outlook for VOSTOCHNY spacedrome

G.G.Raykunov

Central Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering, "TsNIImash"

The article describes the current status and outlook for the Vostochny Space Center (VSC) development, its main objectives and missions determining the necessity and expediency of establishing a new space center in the territory of Russia. Additionally the guidelines and approaches to building the new Space Center, ground space infrastructure requirements in support of the future space activity progress and international cooperation growth [1] are presented

The space activity in Russia is referred to the state priorities governing the innovative way of Russia's development in the 21^st century and providing for a phased space exploration.

Implementation of such a large-scale mission supposes an availability of a powerful space potential and the new Space Center located in the country's East and aimed at satisfying the social, economic, and scientific needs must become one of its key components.

The Decree of the President of the Russian Federation as of November 6, 2007 "On the Vostochny Space Center" was issued in support of the evolutionary development of the Russian space in the 21^st century supporting the achievement of the following objectives:

-        preservation of the standing of a leading spacefaring nation and autonomy in the main space activity areas including manned missions;

-        provision of a guaranteed access to space from its own territory and autonomy of the space activity of the Russian Federation in the whole range of implemented scientific, social and economic missions;

-        buildup of the Russian space potential in the own territory for realizing promising ambitious missions of Moon, Mars and deep space exploration.

The program of establishing the new Vostochny Space Center may be fulfilled within the prescribed timespans with due regard for allocations of required finance assets. If realized a maiden launch of an unmanned space vehicle is supposed to take place in 2018 while in 2018 - a maiden launch of a new-generation manned space vehicle.

If realized the program could ensure fulfillment of the following tasks:

-        fulfillment of future manned space mission programs;

-        realization of future unmanned multi-purpose SC under government, international and commercial programs;

-        creation of the conditions for implementing large-scale ambitious space projects related to the in-depth investigation and exploration of far out space bodies of the Solar system to include manned exploration scenarios;

-        formation of the environment for developing priority economical branches in the Federal Far-Eastern Region and prevention of the population migration from the said Region by creation of new jobs;

-        development of the regional economy by attracting the local industrial facilities and up-growth of the engineering infrastructure in support of building a Ground Space Infrastructure (GSI);

-        formation of the environment for the Region investment attraction.

The following factors have determined the preference of the location of the new Space Center in the vicinity of Svobodny town (Amur Region):

-        the location of the Space Center in the vicinity of Svobodny town (Amur Region) is the most favorable place in terms of meteorological, climatic, hydro-geological, terrain, geological, soil, tectonic, seismic, and fire safety considerations;

-        the transport infrastructure in the vicinity of Svobodny town is one of the most developed in the Far Eastern Region and composed of well-developed railway, automobile, water, and air transport systems;

-        the potential for electric power supply is one of the highest in the Russian Federation (supply by the Bureiskaya and Zeiskaya hydraulic power stations located in the Region);

-        SLV launches from this area enable to select SLV survival fragment impact footprints out of the territories of foreign countries and world economic activity regions as well as out of prohibited areas in the Russian territory (i.e. settlements, wildlife sanctuaries, risk objects, etc);

-        possibility of manned SC crewmember rescue in an emergency by the Search and Rescue System.

The Vostochny Space Center system project was elaborated in 2008 pursuant to the instructions of Roscosmos with the leading role of TSNIIMASH providing for a complex system approach to the project exploratory study.

So far the project and survey works began, in particular, air photo survey, mapping, engineering and geodetic operations, and engineering and geological survey. The general layout of the Space Center has been drawn (see page 125).

Technical designing of launchers and new-generation manned space vehicles is under way.

It is intended to build two launch platforms, a corresponding SLV prelaunch preparation infrastructure, and integration buildings. Additionally a special spaceman training and medical inspection complex will be erected. Building of an airport is considered a key task.

One hundred and fifty railway kilometers are to be laid in the Space Center territory together with almost the same length of paved and unpaved roads. Industrial facilities for operating the Center and a new town are to be constructed.

On August 28, 2010 Vladimir Putin, the Chairman of the Russian Government visited the Vostochny Space Center while making a working trip over the country's Far East. Prime Minister opened a Commemorative Token devoted to commencement of Space Center construction works. The Token was fixed to a granite mammock with the description: "Space Center will be erected here". Touching the mammock Putin said: "You may now believe that the foundation has been laid!".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his opinion - <: The Vostochny Space Center is to confirm a high space standing and leading positions of Russia in this sphere.љ It would provide the country with an independent space access for all types of space vehicles and spacecraft including manned vehicles as well as for long-term Moon and Mars exploration mission spacecraft. Not less important is the fact that realization of this project would enable hundreds and thousands of specialists first of all young ones to exhibit their gifts, realize their most ambitious intentions. And unquestioningly the building of the Space Center would serve as another powerful stimulus for development of the Far-Eastern regions of the Russian Federation:>.

According to the Prime Minister after the USSR breakdown the Baikonur Space Center happened to be in the territory of the friendly Kazakhstan. Here one should note that Resolution of the Government of the Republic Kazakhstan No.1125 as of October, 2010 has approved the Program of Space Activity Development in Kazakhstan for 2010 through 2014.

The Program objective is to implement the first phase of development of a full-scale space industry of Kazakhstan.

The Program objectives:

-        development of space mission-related systems;

-        ground space infrastructure establishment;

-        establishment of a scientific and scientific-technical base for space activity;

-        realization of dedicated projects for space systems application;

-        training and enhancement of the space industry staff competence;

-        creation of contractual, legal and regulatory/technical framework of the space industry.

The Program provides for creation of all elements including the full technological chain starting from scientific research to technical operation and commercial use of space technologies with the prospects of their further progress.

Putin noted that the Baikonur Agreement will be valid till 2050, but to satisfy its own SC launch needs Russia is to adapt the military launch sites. But in the Premier's opinion this is not enough for such a powerful spacefaring country as Russia. That is why as far back as 2005 they began speaking about building of a space launch site of our own. Today Putin stated that Vostochny would have to be the most advanced spaceport, its construction would have to be one of the greatest and ambitious projects of Russia.

Vladimir Putin authorized to complete the project and survey, and research, development, test and evaluation work by the end of 2011 on the site of the would-be Space Center and to directly start the construction.

The first launch complex is to be commissioned in 2015-2016 with first SC launches within the same timespan.

The federal budget will allocate 24.5 billion ruble on the object construction for the coming three years.

Three phases of the Vostochny Space Center construction are identified.

The first phase till 2018 provides for building of the main VSC objects including:

-        launch complex (LC) for medium-class SLV with higher payload capacity (SLV SKPG);

-        technical complexes (TC) for SLV SKPG, SC, upper stages, space nose section;

-        refueling and neutralization complex and propellant storages;

-        storage complex for SC, upper stages, SLVs, manned spacecraft, spare parts, tools and accessories;

-        spaceman training complex;

-        manned SC technical complex.

Building of supporting objects including:

-         oxygen/nitrogen plant;

-         hydrogen plant;

-         communications systems, command&instrumentation station and launch-site instrumentation station;

-         weather station;

-         metrological station.

Establishment of social, engineering and transport infrastructure objects including:

-        inhabited area;

-        construction and erection companies for VSC construction;

-        power, heat, and water supply systems, first-order sewage system;

-        fire safety systems;

-        transport infrastructure;

-        aerodrome complex.

The second phase after 2018 provides for: construction of the VSC objects for the future MRKS-1 reusable rocket space system.

The third phase after 2030 provides for construction of VSC objects for implementing space exploration missions through 2050.

The main space objects (see page 126) planned to be operated from the Vostochny Space Center comprise a medium-class launch vehicle with a higher payload capacity (SLV SKPG) for manned and unmanned SC, new-generation manned SC (to be developed by 2018) and a first-phase reusable rocket and space system (MRKS-1) with reusable recoverable first stage modules (to be developed by 2018).

One should emphasize that a principal solution of the problem of selecting SLV separated part impact footprints involves implementing the MRKS-1 new-generation launcher project which due to utilization of qualitatively new development and operation concepts would ensure a high level of reliability and safety and would enable to exclude the selection of impact zones, which in its turn, would enhance the performance of future commercial programs. The stated MRKS-1 advantages are extremely important for Russia, the only spacefaring power with its existing and future launch sites located on the continent. The Russian Space Program envisages the MRKS-1 launcher development starting from 20011.

The Vostochny SC design layout of the 600 km² area features the system engineering-based logics of configuration of the main and supporting objects of the Space Center, Aerodrome Complex, and new Vostochny Inhabited Area depicted on the terrain map.

Beside that it may be practicable to develop an MRKS-1-derived heavy-class SLV family with the payload capacity of up to 60 tons and a super-heavy class SLV with the payload capacity of more than 100 tons.

The georeferencing of VSC objects is based on the following principles:

-        location of the 1^st and 2^nd phase Launch Complexes was determined in terms of safety provision for neighboring settlements and survival of any launch facility in an emergency or non-standard situation with another launch facility;

-        location of other VSC infrastructure objects was determined in terms of their positioning out of the launcher flight tracks range.

The logics of positioning the VSC objects provides for the two directions of expansion corresponding to the construction stage-by-stage approach: First direction - from the new Vostochny inhabited area and the business center towards the 1^st phase Launch complex. Such objects as the oxygen/nitrogen plant, hydrogen plant, and industrial base are shifted to the VSC southern boundary in order to provide a safety distance from the new Vostochny inhabited area, business center, spaceman training center, Launch and Technical Complexes. Second direction - towards the 2^nd phase Launch Complex near which an aerodrome capable of providing transport and passenger services at the first phase is planned to be built with the prospects of providing landing services for reusable recoverable first stages, and services on their delivery to the turnaround maintenance building, located between the aerodrome and the 2^nd phase Launch Complex.

The VSC Instrumentation Station is located so that it could be possible to make launches from the two Launch Complexes.

The Vostochny Space Center area is 12 times less in comparison with Baikonur, 3 times less in comparison with Plesetsk, and 1.5 times less than that of the Courou Space Center (the French Guiana) and it is almost equal to the KSC area. So the VSC-occupied land plot size corresponds to that of the best foreign Space Centers.

In spite of the VSC compactness its up growth plans envisage a practicability of its buildup with objects for deploying an advanced space infrastructure in accordance with space investigation and exploration programs.

The planned Vostochny SC construction architecture will provide for execution of unmanned and manned SC launch programs for the 2025-2030 timespan (ISS, experimental orbital manned integration complex, navigation meteorological observations, ERS, satellite communications programs, etc.), and will enable as well to build up the infrastructure within the authorized VSC boundaries.

One may mention a number of specific features of the future space objects and facilities which would influence the configuration of the VSC launch objects and launch vehicles:

-               enhanced payload capacity of launchers

-               SLV oxygen-hydrogen propulsion systems

-               overall dimensions of stages and payloads

-               MW-class nuclear power plants as components of future launchers

-               use of xenon and other special components onboard launchers.

To meet the requirements associated with future space investigation and exploration projects it will be necessary to:

-         erect plants for producing considerable amounts of rocket propellant components within the VSC territory;

-         erect plants for manufacturing and integrating large-size elements of space launch vehicles, upper stages, orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) and manned space infrastructure (MSI) in the VSC vicinity;

-         erect objects (Technical Complexes) within the VSC territory for integration, development verification, preparation for launch of nuclear power plants, manned Moon and Mars modules and interplanetary stations, new orbital systems for deep space exploration;

-         erect Launch Complexes for heavy and super-heavy SLVs;

-         ensure a long-term reservation of land areas in the VSC vicinity and along SLV launch trajectories ground tracks;

-         pursue a mission-related policy of qualified staff training.

The Vostochny Space Center is of a tremendous importance for the Far-Eastern Region.

1. It is supposed to draw considerable natural, material and human resources into economic circulation, creation of new production capacities.

In particular, as a result of the VSC development a powerful impulse will be given to the production of high tech products and materials used for space technology manufacturing. It is supposed to establish special economic industrial zones corresponding to the machine engineering profile of regions. A significant contribution to the special economic zones will be made by specialized technological clusters for developing and introducing precision engineering products satisfying the specific demands and interests of field-oriented enterprises.

2. Potential for intensive development and strengthening of the social and economic position of people will be ensured.

It is supposed that the Amur region will have three zones of advanced economic growth. The zones will be formed on the basis of improvement and technological upgrowth of the fuel & power, mining, wood processing, engineering, agricultural/industrial, and transport/road complexes with creation of a great number of new jobs.

3. Participation in Russian and international space programs including manned space missions and future large-scale exploration projects of planets, Solar system bodies, and deep space would promote the development of regional scientific and technical & commissioning centers formed on the basis of state universities and research institutions of the Russian Academy of Sciences. For example, the Amur Technical&Commissioning Center will be oriented at satisfying the demands in space technologies and instrument engineering products, and demands of the regional mechanical engineering.

The staffing problem is supposed to be solved by reorientation of educational institutions and establishment of a special education and scientific research system in the rocket and space technologies field.

4. Expansion of the construction materials production capacities with the use of local minerals and raw materials for building the Space Center and the Inhabited Area would enable to orient the construction materials sale both at the Russian market as well as at the markets of the Asian&Pacific Region.

For instance, the discovered siliceous sand deposits can probably supply a large glass factory with this raw material for over 300 years while construction materials production buildup including cement production in the Chagoyan settlement is supposed to be a priority endeavor. The Shimanovsk town intends to develop the mechanical engineering aimed at satisfying the demands of the mining and transport industries.

5. Extensive development of the territories neighboring the Space Center will stimulate the mining industry development and deployment of industrial objects producing various products.

Besides the VSC-related enterprises we intend to deploy iron and nonferrous-metals industries, glass factories, chemical factories for hydro carbons processing using the resources of the developing power engineering industry, transport, gas and oil industries of the region. It seems promising to manufacture equipment for minerals prospecting and exploration, and power engineering equipment.

The VSC building will increase the number of jobs by ~ 15.000-30.000, while the gross regional product will grow by more than 3% of the planned gross regional product of 2010.

So the following conclusions may be made on the basis of the reported materials:

-         the Vostochny Space Center is in demand for assured space access and support of space activity of the Russian Federation independently of foreign policy and other factors.

-         the Vostochny Space Center can ensure fulfillment of the priority missions of the Russian Federation space activity in the interests of science, social sphere and economy.

-         the Vostochny Space Center creates the basis for realizing ambitious space projects such as planetary manned missions.

-         the Vostochny Space Center would expand the capabilities for commercial spacecraft launches fulfilling the whole range of tasks in demand on the world SC launch market

-         the Vostochny Space Center would enable to efficiently utilize the capabilities of the Plesetsk and Baikonur Launch Sites by redistribution of various dedicated missions between them.

-         the Vostochny Space Center would enable to create a basis in the Amur region territory for development of the whole Far-Eastern region.

-         the Vostochny Space Center would enable to create conditions for staffing the High Tech industries of Russia.

 

References

1.                  A.N.Chulkov, N.A.Vtorushkin, V.E.Milogorodsky, G.G.Raykunov, A.V.Golovko, N.G.Panichkin, A.M.Romashkin. Analysis of Conditions for Vostochny Space Center Construction with due Consideration of Outlook for Space Activity Progress of Russia and International Cooperation Growth. The 61^st Int. Astronautical Congress (IAC-2010).