"A Red World" - The successor to мир

[DG1]

 

Introduction:  

Over the past few weeks, I've been exploring an alternate history scenario that considers what might have occurred if the USSR had not collapsed and the ISS project had not been undertaken like it has in reality. The primary aim of this thread is to create a coherent archive of all the lore, mission profiles, and screenshots related to this endeavour. I will document almost every mission I undertake in this thread, and I intend to post a mission update at least once or twice per week.

My Inspiration:

• @Kuiper_Belt with their Incredible Shuttle Adventures  and ISS Adventures thread
• @TruthfulGnome with their No Shortage of Dreams thread
• @Talverd with their Chasing Dreams thread

Lore:

• 1980: Space Station Freedom project study begins
• 1981: Mir 2 project study begins
• 1982: NASA requests Western influenced countries to submit module proposals
• 1993: USA and USSR agree to "International Space Station" Project
• November 1997: Second Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
• March 1998: Western influenced countries begin to place sanctions on the USSR
• May 1998: Reykjavík Summit, talks about withdrawing soviet troops from Afghanistan collapse
• July 1998: USSR pulls out of ISS project

Edited March 10, 2023 by DG1

[DG1]

Zarya, 20th November 1998
 

 

The new dawn:

As the sun rose over Baikonur, it symbolized a new era for the Soviet space program. They were determined to no longer be in second place and to rely on other nations. Despite facing sanctions from 70 nations, this did not deter the USSR from launching the first module (Zarya) of their new station into the skies. On November 18th, 1998, Zarya was rolled out to the pad without any western insignia. The launch was scheduled for November 20th, 1998, at 0640 local time - coinciding with the beginning of the ISS program.

 

'

"10 minutes from launch, all systems nominal. Controllers report go for launch" 

 

"As Zarya ascends into the sky, so does the Soviet Union's stature as a dominant force in space exploration!"

 

"Currently passing through Max-Q"

 

"Successful staging of the first stage booster"

 

Fairing deployment

 

 

Proton once against performs without issue, injecting Zarya into a 400X402km, 51.6 degree orbit

 

"My fellow citizens of the Soviet Union,

Today marks the dawn of a new era for our nation. The liftoff of the first space station module represents a momentous achievement that speaks volumes about our scientific and engineering prowess. We have overcome numerous obstacles to get to this point, but we have prevailed. We have always been a nation that is driven by a thirst for progress and innovation, and today, we have proved that once again. Our determination and perseverance have paid off, and we have shown the world that we are a force to be reckoned with.

Our space program is a testament to the strength and resilience of our great nation, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards its success. We have always been pioneers in space exploration, and we will maintain our leadership position in this field for years to come.

This is just the beginning of our journey towards greatness. We are embarking on a new era of space exploration, where we will push the boundaries of science and technology. We will not rest until we have achieved the unimaginable and achieved our goals of space dominance.

Let us all take pride in this historic moment and look forward to a bright future for the Soviet Union. Thank you."

Edited May 6, 2023 by DG1
Continuity edit

[DG1]

 

Soyuz TMA-1/EO-1, 2nd December 1998

 

 

Expedition Orbital - 1:

After successful initial operations and check-out, the first crewed mission to Zarya was given the green light. Although the Soyuz TMA variant had undergone minor upgrades and modernization, it was essentially the same reliable spaceship that had supported MIR for the previous 12 years. This heritage allowed for the departure from established Soviet practice, as the new ship was manned on its first launch. However, many observers attributed this decision to a general shortage of funds rather than confidence in the equipment.

The Soyuz EO-1 mission had two primary objectives. The first was to complete the on-orbit check-out of the Победа Base Block and prepare for upcoming assembly missions. The second was to prove the new Soyuz variant. In order to achieve these objectives, the space that would normally accommodate a third cosmonaut was filled with 70 kg of equipment and experiments that had not been ready for installation before Zarya's final preparations. 

In addition to proving the new Soyuz variant, the mission also marked the final crewed flight of the Soyuz R7 Rocket. All future missions were to be launched on the Zenit-C, a now-proven crewed variant of the Zenit launcher. Zenit had proven its reliability by launching Progress M2 cargo ships to orbit and MIR during its final years.

Crew:

Commander: Talgat Musabayev

Flight engineer: Gennady Padalka

 

Soyuz sits on the pad awaiting launch

 

"Crew tower retraction, Launch Abort System armed"

 

"and liftoff of the final Soyuz rocket, 30 years of service has concluded"

"Max-q"

 

"Successful separation of EO-1"

 

Rendezvousing with Zarya

 

Approaching the forward node

 

With EO-1 successfully docked, the crew begin to transfer the equipment and prepare for their gruelling expedition

Edited March 26, 2023 by DG1

[DG1]

 

Progress M2-SO1, 23rd December 1998

 

 

Supplies, lots of supplies:

The upcoming launch of the Progress M2 cargo ship was eagerly anticipated by the crew of the station, following the successful Soyuz EO-1 mission. The cargo module that the Progress M2 was transporting contained essential supplies, including food, water, scientific equipment, and two Orlan-DMA spacesuits. These spacesuits were crucial for conducting extravehicular activities outside the station, and the delivery of these suits was eagerly awaited by the crew.

The Progress M2 was set to utilize the powerful Zenit rocket from Baikonur, with its greater throw-weight capacity, enabling the spacecraft to transport an expanded pressurized cargo module to the station. This innovative design allowed the spacecraft to carry a greater volume of equipment and supplies, ensuring that the crew had access to the resources they needed to continue their mission. Additionally, the service module of the spacecraft had undergone a redesign, featuring common propellant tanks that served both the module's own needs and the refueling of the Победа module. This design feature would allow for more efficient use of the spacecraft's resources, extending its operational capabilities and reducing the need for additional refuelling missions.

This would be the third mission for the Progress M2 spacecraft, with its predecessor, the Progress M2-2, having made a successful test flight and docked with Mir in late 1996 before committing the station to its final journey. The upcoming arrival of the Progress M2 was set to mark another significant milestone in the station's journey, demonstrating the reliability and versatility of the new spacecraft and the continuing support from ground control.

 

 

Progress and Zenit awaiting launch

 

"And liftoff! The Zenit rocket has cleared the launch pad and is climbing higher into the sky."

 

 

"Stage separation and ignition"

 

Fairing deployment

 

"Progress has indicated that it has successfully separated from the launch vehicle and everything has deployed"

 

2 days later, Progress slowly approaches the aft port of the Zarya module

 

Onboard docking camera shot

 

Progress successfully docks to the Zarya Module

 

Progress M2-SO1 will stayed docked for two weeks

Edited March 18, 2023 by DG1

[tg626]

This thread, while intersting, is a HUGE load with all those large screenshots - tho more time consuming, thumbnails linked to full res images would be better.

Just my $0.02.

[AI Kuni]

Ooh, a Mir-2 alternate history using real concepts for spacecraft? Hell yeah.
The screenshots also look amazing.

[DG1]

Soyuz TMA-2/EO-2, 17th March 1999
 

 

Expedition Orbital - 2:

With the successful departure of Progress M2-SO1 2 months ago, preparations were underway for the launch of Soyuz EO-2 ontop of the Zenit-C rocket from Pad 1/5 . The primary task of EO-2 was to relieve the crew of Soyuz EO-1 and prepare the station for the arrival of the "Единство" (Unity) Node. One notable aspect of the mission was the use of the Zenit-C launcher, which had proven its reliability in previous launches. This variant of the Zenit rocket utilized modified Soyuz R7 launch hardware to reduce both costs and complexity.

Soyuz EO-1 and EO-2 would overlap for a week before EO-1 departed for its return journey to Earth, with a planned landing in the Kazakh SSR. This mission marked an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to maintain and expand the International Space Station, as well as demonstrating the reliability and versatility of the Zenit-C launcher.

Crew:

Commander: Sergei Krikalev

Flight Engineer: Yuri Gidzenko

 

'

"We're just under 1 hour from launch. We should see the crew towers retracting here shortly." 

 

"There it goes, retracting down now. Crew reporting everything feels good."

 

"Liftoff of the 2nd crewed expedition mission!"

 

Zenit soars!

 

Max-q.

 

Stage separation and ignition.

 

Aero shroud deployment. 

 

Soyuz cruising to orbit. 

 

EO-2 separates from the Zenit-C second stage.

 

EO-2 slowly approaches the nadir docking port of the Zarya module. Cosmonauts Musabayev and Padalka are inside the EO-1 spacecraft encase any issues arise.

 

The crew of EO-2 became the first to dock at the Nadir port of Zarya, the two crew exit their respective spacecraft and greet each other.

 

 

 

 

 

The EO-1 spacecraft doubled as a temporary sleeping quarters as the two combined crews shared a cramped station for a week. Padalka conducted a number of television broadcasts on both European and Soviet TV networks as part of a broader outreach campaign. After a week, control of the station was handed over from Talgat Musabayev to Sergei Krikalev and the crew of EO-1 undocked from the forward axial port and headed for landing in the Kazakh SSR, formally marking the end of EO-1 and the start of EO-2.

EO-1 departs from the station, their job is done.

 

The orbital module is jettisoned, full of garbage to be burned up in the atmosphere

 

Equipment module deployment.

 

Entry interface at 1400 MST.

 

Re-entry.

 

Parachute deploymement.

 

Parachute inflation.

Edited April 1, 2023 by DG1

[DG1]

Progress M2-USM1, 16th June 1999
 

 

Universal Docking Module 1:
The planned launch of Победа's Progress M2-USM1 mission in early June 1999 was a significant addition for the growing station. The mission would mark the arrival of the first of two planned Universal Docking Modules, which were nodes designed to have up to eight APAS-89 docking ports and would serve as connecting hubs linking the various modules of Победа. The upcoming launch of the Zenit-launched USM1, named "Единство" (Unity), was to be particularly important as its two lateral mid-point ports would serve as the attachment points for the station's two central trusses - the Science Power Platform (NEP) and the Communications Platform (KP). These trusses would provide power, cooling services, and communication to the rest of the growing station, making USM1 a critical component for the success of the station.

 

'

"Zenit is just under...... 10 minutes from launch, all systems look good" 

 

"Liftoff of Zenit carrying the USM1 module, a critical addition for the station!"

 

Zenit screams into the skies.

 

Max-q.

 

Stage separation and ignition.

 

"Successful separation of USM1"

 

Solar panel and soft capture ring deployment.

 

Slowly approaching the aft node of Zarya.

 

EO-2  relocates to the forward node.

 

Successful docking.

 

USM1 service module jettison.

 

With the addition of USM1, Победа is now formed.

[Maria Sirona]

Would like, but i've already ran out. Followed! What an interesting thread.

[DG1]

Just returned from vacation, posts should resume in about a week or so once I regain motivation

[DG1]

Still taking a little bit of a hiatus but the next 2 posts have already been documented, just a matter of compiling them. Apologies about the delay

[DG1]

Soyuz TMA/EO-3, 23rd July 1999
 

 

China leaps forward:

EO-3 (Expedition Orbital 3) is the third mission to the Победа Station. The launch of the spacecraft carrying the crew, consisting of Commander Yury Usachov and Flight Engineer Vasily Tsibliyev from Russia, and Flight Engineer 2 Yang Liwei from China, is scheduled for July 23, 1999. 
The primary objectives of EO-3 are to conduct scientific experiments in various fields such as Earth's atmosphere, solar observations, and the human body's response to extended spaceflight. The crew will also perform maintenance and repair tasks on the station's systems and hardware. 
One of the key goals of EO-3 is to test the docking port which will soon receive the Zvezda module, delivered by the Buran spacecraft. The flight of Buran will demonstrate the USSRs technological might and further the stations growth at a rapid level.
EO-3 is also expected to lay the groundwork for future collaboration between Russia and China in space.
 

'

"Good morning, the time is 3:22AM. Zenit is just 40 minutes from launch, crew are currently entering the spacecraft" 

 

"The crew access towers are now retracting, we're roughly 30 minutes from launch now"

 

"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, ignition....."

 

"....4, 3, 2, 1 and liftoff!"

 

"and liftoff of EO3, showing the world that communism can prevail!"

 

Site clear

 

 

"Max-q"

 

"Coming up on MECO"

 

"Staging and ignition"

 

"Coming up on SECO"

 

"Cutoff"

 

Yang Liwei experiences weightlessness for the first time

 

Soyuz deploys its APAS docking system

 

Slowly approaching the docking node

 

Ever closer

 

Contact! Docking confirmed at 1137 MST, 25th July 1999

 

Yang Liwei will stay aboard for around a week and return with the crew of EO-2

Edited May 8, 2023 by DG1
Continuity edit

[Kimera Industries]

Awesome work and amazing pictures! Excited to see the Buran, it's sad it only ever got one flight IRL, but really impressive that it was all automated.

[DG1]

Added continuity edits to Zarya and EO-3 missions

[DG1]

Progress M2-SO2, 27th July 1999

 

 

Growth requires sacrifice:

As the space station continued to expand, it became apparent to mission planners that another Progress M2 flight would be necessary to keep up with the demands of the growing station. However, the initial M2 resupply mission lasted only 6 months, as it could not carry the full amount of supplies due to the inclusion of scientific equipment and two EVA suits.
This presented an opportunity to mission planners, who began to consider reducing the number of planned resupply flights by a third. Nevertheless, they recognized that this decision would have to be evaluated based on how long the full compliment of supplies could last on the station.
This proposal meant that SO2 itself became a scientific mission, with the EO-3 crew serving as unwilling test subjects. They had to find innovative ways to conserve supplies and extend the mission duration, even if it meant making personal sacrifices. This new challenge required them to carefully manage their resources and test their limits in ways they never had before.
This sacrifice would greatly contribute to the end goal of the program.

 

 

A familiar site at Baikonur

 

Sunset

 

"5...4...3...2...1...."

 

"...liftoff! Zenit flies once again."

 

 

 

"Staging and ignition"

 

 

Progress flies freely

 

A day later, Progress slowly approaches one of the nadir ports of the USM1 docking module

 

Contact

 

Successful docking of SO2 to the station

[DG1]

new part soon, I've just been very busy

[DG1]

OKAY WE'RE BACK, I've regained some motivation and the next post is 75% completed so should posted soon if all is well.

Edited June 10, 2023 by DG1

[DG1]

Buran 1K4/Zvezda, 20th September 1999
 

 

Space Truckers:

After successfully completing its mission in mid-1997, the Buran shuttle underwent a smooth and swift turnaround and was ready for another mission by December of the same year. Energia vehicle 7L, the carrier rocket, was also integrated and prepared for launch at Baikonur in January 1998. However, the lack of funding due to sanctions meant that the next major module, Zvezda, faced delays.
It was not until October 1998 that the main assembly of Zvezda, consisting of a pressurized module with fitness and science equipment, a transfer compartment with three docking ports, and propellant tanks, arrived at Baikonur's MIK 2B payload processing facility. Over the next two months, the module was integrated and tested before it was carefully lowered into Buran's cargo bay at MIK RN. Zvezda was the heaviest payload yet to be carried by the Soviet shuttle, weighing almost 20 tonnes. Together with the SM docking module, it filled the orbiter's cargo bay completely. To minimize the risk associated with working on the spacecraft with the hazardous UDMH/N2O4 propellants, the propellant tanks were fuelled in the MZK along with Buran's on-board propellant loading. After completing the hazardous task of fuelling the propellant tanks, the payload bay was re-sealed, and the Buran/Energia-7L stack was rolled out to Pad 110/37 for final preparations and fuelling of the Energia rocket.

Crew:
Commander: Mikhail Tyurin
Pilot: Vladimir Dezhurov
Engineer: Yury Onufriyenko
Mission Specialist: Valery Korzun

 

'

July 30th 1999, The crew of EO-2 depart with Yang Liwei onboard

 

They successfully return to Earth a day later

 

4th August 1999, The crew of EO-3 board their Soyuz and manoeuvre it to the central Zenith port

 

20th September 1999, Buran sits on  Pad 110/37 awaiting launch

 

"T-3minutes, the Fuelling Arm has retracted "

 

"Liftoff of Buran!"

 

Site clear

 

"Max-q"

 

"Booster separation"

 

"Coming up on MECO"

Buran experienced a trouble-free launch. The surplus of time available for pre-flight servicing meant that there had been a special focus on quality during pre-launch processing of the orbiter and and its launcher to ensure no embarrassing systems failures would plague  the mission. In particular, the word came down from the central government that any repeat of the engine trouble seen on mission 1K3 would result in criminal prosecutions of all involved. This crude threat appeared to have the desired effect, as 1K4 went on to have the fewest number of reported anomalies from any Energia launch to date.

"Rendezvous burn"

 

Buran on-orbit

Deployment of the Zvezda module

 

Zvezda slowly approaches the station

 

 

Contact and successful docking!

On the morning of 22nd September, Buran was ready to make its final approach to the new Soviet space station. After making a brief fly-around of the station, Tyurin lined the shuttle up with the APAS-89 port of it’s SM facing the axial port of the Единство module. During final approach победа’s resident crew retreated to their Soyuz TMA spacecraft, but remained docked to the station, ready to separate only if an emergency demanded it.

 

An hour later, Buran approaches the forward docking port

 

Contact and successful docking

Thirty minutes after hard-dock, the two crews greeted one another forming the largest on-orbit crew of any soviet space mission to date

Buran would depart the station on the 28th of September 1999 0200 MST and land 5 hours later at Site 251

Edited June 14, 2023 by DG1

[Kimera Industries]

The Buran looks amazing! Nice work!

[TruthfulGnome]

Great post, loved this one!

[DG1]

Basically the reason for a drought of parts this and last week was because of exams and other stuff I participate in. I've been quietly organising the next few posts for this thread so hopefully the next part will be out in a week's time if all goes well.....

[DG1]

Soyuz TMA/EO-4, 5th December 1999
 

 

The beginning of a busy holiday:

EO-4 will mark the beginning of a busy winter holiday for the crews of Победа. The main objective of EO-4 will be to prepare for the construction of two large Power and Communication modules on the space station.

The crew for EO-4 consists of:
Commander Sergei Treshchov
Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin

The main focus for the mission will be on the necessary preparations for the construction activities and laying the groundwork for the upcoming installation of the Power and Communication modules, which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the space station.
The highly anticipated inaugural launch of the Burya shuttle is scheduled for this busy month and will play a significant role in the subsequent phases of the project, including the transportation of materials and equipment required for the construction of the modules.
The crew of EO-4 understand the importance of their mission in facilitating the construction efforts. They will work diligently to ensure that all the necessary preparations are completed, creating the foundation for the successful installation of the Power and Communication modules. This will ultimately enhance the functionality and capabilities of the space station.

 

'

"Zenit is once again 40 minutes from launch, crew are currently entering the spacecraft." 

 

"Lftoff! Liftoff at 0527MST"

 

"Site cleared"

 

Pitching downrange

 

"Max-q"

"Staging and ignition"

 

"Tower and Aero shroud jettison"

 

 

EO-4 is set free

 

Soyuz seen by Zvezdas aft camera

 

Slowly approaching the docking node

 

Contact!

EO-4 is ready to get to work

 

[DG1]

 

Burya 2K1, 19th December 1999
 

 

Growing Fleet:

Beginning construction in 1993, the Burya Orbiter showcased remarkable advancements compared to its predecessor, the legendary Buran. Although the exterior of the spacecraft practically looked identical, the changes were: Hull design optimized to save weight, Thermal protection system arrangement changed, Spoilers added to elevons, OMS thrusters configuration changed, Payload bay doors radiator design simplified, Landing gear improved, Drag chute container was reduced (since it turned out the surface area of the parachutes in the flight of Buran was overabundant).
The interior of the Burya Orbiter was carefully refined to cater to the growing needs of long duration missions. An update Middeck featured more spacious living quarters and a more advanced toilet, which the Cosmonauts greatly appreciated.

In the cargo bay of the Burya Orbiter, a set of specialized engineering instruments was carefully positioned to record and photograph the orbiter itself during its inaugural flight. These instruments were designed to gather vital data and imagery that would aid engineers in evaluating the performance and structural integrity of the spacecraft. One of the key components of this equipment package was a network of high-resolution cameras strategically placed within the cargo bay. These cameras were precisely calibrated to capture detailed images and videos of the orbiter throughout various stages of the mission. By analysing these visual recordings, engineers could closely monitor the behaviour of the spacecraft, ensuring that it operated within expected parameters and detecting any potential anomalies or deviations. Complementing the cameras were sensors and data loggers strategically placed throughout the cargo bay. These instruments would collect a wide range of engineering data, including temperature, pressure, vibration, and stress levels experienced by the orbiter during its flight. This real-time data acquisition was crucial for engineers to assess the spacecraft's performance, identify areas of improvement, and validate design assumptions. Additionally, the cargo bay housed a suite of specialized instruments aimed at measuring the orbiter's aerodynamic forces and its response to various external factors encountered in space. These instruments, including pressure sensors and strain gauges, provided critical feedback on the orbiter's structural integrity and its ability to withstand the rigors of space travel.
Together, this engineering equipment package formed a comprehensive system dedicated to recording and documenting the behaviour of the Burya Orbiter during its first flight. The data and imagery captured by these instruments would be meticulously analysed by engineers and technicians post-mission, enabling them to address any performance issues, and ensure the safety and success of future missions.

With the dawn of the new millennium around the corner, whispers from RKK Energia of a new next generation crew capsule, Орёл, are spreading......

Crew:

Commander: Yuri Malenchenko
Pilot: Aleksandr Kaleri
Engineer Salizhan: Sharipov
Mission Specialist: Valeri Tokarev

 

Burya sits on Pad 110/37 awaiting launch

 

"T-3 minutes, We're currently in LH2 top off"

 

"T-2 minutes, all service arms have retracted and we are GO"

 

"Liftoff of Burya! The second shuttle to fly"

 

Site clear

 

"Max-q"

 

"Booster separation"

 

"Telemetry suggests orbiter has separated and is flying free"

 

The Flight Development Instrumentation Package (FDIP)

 

Burya assessing all systems

 

 

Threading the needle

 

 

Almost there

 

 

Successful docking

 

 

Edited July 3, 2023 by DG1

[DG1]

New part whenever i get the time, apologies

[Kimera Industries]

Awesome! This is a really interesting alternate history, I'm loving where it's going. I have an idea myself for a cold war/ ksp universe crossover, where America beat the USSR to the Moon but not to Minmus!