It is planned that the system will be adapted both for the return of the first stage of the rocket and for one-time launchesYEKATERINBURG, April 12.
/tass/. NPO avtomatiki im. Academician N. A. Semikhatov (NPOA, part of Roscosmos) will develop a technical project of a universal transformable control system for various versions of the Amur-LNG launch vehicle. The development can be adapted both for the returnable first stage of the future methane rocket, and for launches in a one-time version, the company's press service told TASS on Wednesday.
"The control system should be designed in such a way that it is possible to remove or add equipment in the conditions of the technical complex of the cosmodrome, which ensures the landing - the return of the first stage or, conversely, the launch of a disposable rocket into orbit. At the same time, it is important to provide all the necessary volume of pre-launch checks so that this procedure does not require changes to the software or the launch and technical complex. In fact, we are designing a constructor," said Mikhail Izyumov, General Director of NPO Avtomatiki.
The press service clarified that Yekaterinburg engineers will have to design a control system that can be adapted to different versions of the rocket: manned and cargo with a returnable or non-returnable first stage, as well as for launching spacecraft.
NPO Avtomatiki produces control systems for the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle line. For Amur-LNG, engineers are designing a system similar in functionality, but different in structure, that will control the flight, as well as monitor the performance of all rocket units, issue the necessary commands to the payload, analyze signs of an emergency flight and, if necessary, provide emergency shutdown of the engines.
"Reusable use requires solving additional tasks. After landing, we will have to provide diagnostics of the control system elements on the returned stage and aggregates. We must develop appropriate algorithms and, most importantly, ensure that all work can be carried out directly at the cosmodrome, so that after each launch we do not carry the stage to the manufacturer," explained Lev Belsky, Deputy Director General for Rocket and Space Issues at NPO Automatics.
The company noted that an important change that NPO Automation engineers take into account when developing a control system is the change of fuel from the usual kerosene to a more environmentally friendly liquefied gas that emits more thermal energy, due to which the engine thrust will also increase. "NPOA specialists have already created and successfully defended a preliminary design of a control system for Amur-LNG. It should be noted that unique technical solutions will be implemented in the new control system, which will allow achieving high operational characteristics, and all devices will be made from domestic element base," the press service added.
In October 2020, Roscosmos and Progress RCC signed a contract for the development of a preliminary design of a space rocket complex with the first Russian reusable rocket powered by methane "Amur". The rocket will receive a returnable first stage and will be launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome in the Amur Region. On March 10, 2022, the state corporation announced the continuation of the development of a reusable methane launch vehicle "Amur-LNG", technical design is planned until 2024.
NPO Automatics named after Academician N. A. Semikhatov is one of the largest Russian enterprises in the field of development and manufacture of control systems and electronic equipment for rocket and space technology, control systems for automation of technological processes in various industries.
