Russia Close To Findings On Soyuz and Proton

First time accepted submitter neBelcnU writes "It's still early, but there are findings for the recent losses of a Proton and Soyuz rockets. There was a procedural error in the Proton's flight planning, and the 3rd stage gas-generator is the center of attention in the Soyuz. From the article: 'The Soyuz investigation has not formally issued its findings or recommended corrective actions. A launch schedule for the next manned flight to the International Space Station will not be decided until the commission completes its work.'"

Unfortunately, the Soyuz issue is a bit harder

[tp1024]

As far as I know, the issue with the Proton was entirely software related and relatively simple to correct once it was found. Mostly because the software isn't destroyed during an accident.

The issue with the Soyuz is hardware related and doesn't have that benefit. There is something wrong with the gas generator of the turbo pumps, that pump oxygen and rocket fuel into the burning cambers. (Which is using hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate to drive them, just like the old German V2 rocket IIRC.) Without having any leftovers to inspect after the failure, it's going to be much harder to ascertain whether its origin has been found or not. But they should be able to find it.

Re:Unfortunately, the Soyuz issue is a bit harder

[sitharus]

Which is using hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate to drive them, just like the old German V2 rocket IIRC..

No it isn't! While that's true of the RD-117/RD-118 engines on the first stage and boosters the upper stage's RD-0110 uses its Kerosene and LOX to produce the hot gasses.