CIS STRELA

1. IDENTIFICATION

1.1 Name

STRELA

1.2 Classification

Ø Family : STRELA Ø Category : SPACE LAUNCH VEHICLE

Ø Series : STRELA Ø Class : Small Launch Vehicle (SLV)
Ø Version : STRELA Ø Type : Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV)

1.3 Manufacturer : NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA

33, Gagarin st., Reutov
Moscow Region, 143952
Russia
Tel: (095) 307-04-96
Fax: (095) 302-20-01
e-mail: FNPC@[Link]

1.4 Development manager : NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA

1.5 Vehicle operator : NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA

1.6 Launch service agency : NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA

1.7 Launch costs : 8 to 10.5 M$

2. STATUS

2.1 Vehicle status : Operational

2.2 Development period : STRELA is based on technologies developed for the SS-19
ballistic missile
2.3 First launch : 05.12.2003

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3. PAYLOAD CAPABILITY AND CONSTRAINTS

3.1 Payload capability

3.1.1 Low Earth Orbits

Payloads can be delivered into circular and/or elliptical orbits.

ORBIT TYPE LEO PEO SSO

CIRCULAR CIRCULAR
Altitude (km) 250 500 1000 230
Inclination (°) 51.8 90 90 96.5

Site Svobodny Svobodny Svobodny

Payload mass (kg) 1400 880 600 900

Figure 1 shows the payload capabilities of Strela launch vehicle in injection of S/C into circular orbits of
st nd
250-2000 km altitude with various inclinations with full consumption of the 1 and 2 stage fuel to inject
and MIS (Mechanisms and Instruments Section) fuel to accelerate.

FIGURE 1 : STRELA PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES IN CIRCULAR ORBITS

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Figures 2 and 3 show the payload capabilities of Strela in injection of S/C into elliptical orbits with 250,
500, 750 and 1000 km perigee altitude and 2000 km apogee altitude.

FIGURE 2 : STRELA PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES INTO ELLIPTICAL ORBITS (i=62.8°)

FIGURE 3 : STRELA PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES INTO ELLIPTICAL ORBITS (i=90°)

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3.1.2 Geosynchronous and Interplanetary Orbits

3.1.3 Injection accuracy

Maximum errors in placing spacecraft on orbit by Strela within the above-specified range of altitudes and
inclinations are given below:

ERROR TYPE Injection accuracy

Orbital altitude ± 1%
Inclination ± 0.05°

3.2 Spacecraft orientation and separation

In principle, any spacecraft orientation is possible. Considering the MIS (Mechanisms and Instruments
Section) technical capabilities after the spacecraft has been placed on orbit, MIS systems can execute a
number of commands written in the flight mission in order to provide the required spacecraft orientation
prior to separation.
Maximum MIS angular rates prior to spacecraft separation are given as follows:
WX = ± 2°/sec
WY = ± 2°/sec
WZ = ± 2°/sec
Maximum spacecraft angular rates after separation WX, WY, WZ do not exceed 2.5°/sec:
WX = ± 2.5°/sec
WY = ± 2.5°/sec
WZ = ± 2.5°/sec
Angular rates values are determined for a specific spacecraft depending on its mass and center of gravity.
Angular accuracy of MIS with S/C orientation prior to S/C separation does not exceed, in degrees, ± 0.05t
where t is flight time in minutes from the moment of liftoff. Angular accuracy of MIS with S/C stabilization
prior to S/C separation does not exceed ± 1.5°.

3.3 Payload interfaces

3.3.1 Payload compartments and adaptors

Strela uses two configurations of fairings shown on Figures 4 and 5. Strela can launch several S/C located
in the SHS (Space Head Section) which consists of:
- the measuring instruments compartment (MIC) with adaptor,
- the intermediate/mating stage,
- the fairing,
- the spacecraft.

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The two fairings consist of two halves made of metal sheet with internal longitudinal and transverse ribs.

FIGURE 4 : SHS-1 FIGURE 5 : SHS-2

The fairing is jettisoned at an altitude of about 110-150 km. The jettisoning altitude is determined by the
required spacecraft orbit altitude and by heat constraints on the spacecraft. In order to meet the
requirement concerning the heat flow to the spacecraft from the fairing structure during the boost phase,
the internal surface is covered with thermal insulation material.

Ø Payload adaptors and separation system

The S/C is fixed mechanically to the launch vehicle by an adaptor mounted on the upper ring of the
MIS conical part and fastened with bolts.

Three types of adaptors with a bolts interface on diameters 937 mm, 1194 mm, and 1666 mm are
planned for S/C mechanical integration with Strela. Figure 6 shows the geometry of the adaptor with
a separation system including pyro bolts (up to 8 pieces) on the 1194 mm diameter and spring
pushers.

The separation system uses four spring pushers. Two sets of pushers can be used: one set with total
workload of 12 kgm for spacecraft up to 800 kg, and another set with total workload of 20 kgm for
spacecraft of 800 – 2000 kg. Relative separation velocity is not less than 0.6 m/s. The pushers are
mounted on the measurement instruments section adaptor. Physical separation is monitored by two
sensors.

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FIGURE 6 : ADAPTOR WITH SEPARATION SYSTEM

The adaptor can be modified for each particular S/C with consideration for S/C geometry and center of
gravity. The separation system always remains the same. It is possible to use a separation system
provided by the S/C supplier. The separation system is mounted on the adaptor upper ring and fastened
with bolts.
When several S/C are launched simultaneously, the adaptor is not mounted; a platform with individual
mounting seats, adaptors and separation systems for each S/C is mounted in its place.

Ø Multiple payload accommodation

SHS can house several S/C. Figure 7 shows accomodation scheme while simultaneously placing
three spacecraft into orbit.

FIGURE 7 : SHS-1 WITH 3 SPACECRAFT

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Ø Payload constraints
In order to provide Strela control and stabilization capability, the S/C developer must meet the
following requirements to the spacecraft's elastic dynamic characteristics: the S/C structure fixed to a
rigid base in the mating plane must have natural frequencies of elastic vibrations not less than 40 Hz
in the longitudinal direction and not less than 15 Hz in the lateral direction.
The same conditions must be met in order to provide absence of resonances in S/C units,
subsystems and structural elements at the natural vibration frequencies of the launcher.

3.4 Environments

3.4.1 Mechanical environment

During the flight, the payload is subjected to static and dynamic loads induced by the launch
vehicle. Such excitation may be of aerodynamic origin (wind, blast, buffeting at transonic velocity),
or may be due to loading induced by the propulsion systems (longitudinal acceleration, thrust build-
up or tail-off transients, structure-propulsion coupling, attitude control operation, etc.).

§ Static flight limit loads

The static flight limit loads in the S/C centre of gravity are given in Table 1 and Figure 8 for
various injection phases.

Acceleration g
Loading case
Longitudinal Transverse
st
1 stage 8.7 ±2
nd
2 stage 6.7 ± 0.5
MIS 0.4 ± 0.1

TABLE 1 : STATIC FLIGHT LIMIT LOADS

FIGURE 8 : LONGITUDINAL STATIC LOADS

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3.4.2 Acoustic vibrations

The spacecraft is exposed to an acoustic environment throughout the boost phase of flight until the vehicle
is out of the atmosphere. Acoustic loads on the S/C launched by Strela are shown in Table 6.

Frequency range, Hz Acoustic pressure, dB

Flight
In the silo At Q max
20 - 31.5 123 118
31.5 - 40 128 123
40 - 50 132 126
50 - 63 138 126
63 - 80 138 126
80 - 100 138 126
100 - 125 133 126
125 - 160 133 126
160 - 200 138 128
200 - 250 138 128
250 - 315 138 129
315 - 400 138 129
400 - 500 138 129
500 - 630 138 129
630 - 800 138 129
800 - 1000 138 129
1000 - 1250 132 128
1250 - 1600 130 127
1600 - 2000 126 126
Total acoustic pressure level 149 140
Duration 2.5 s 30 s

TABLE 2 : ACOUSTIC LOADS UNDER FAIRING

The acoustic pressure values given in Table 6 with total level 149 dB refer to the Strela normal launch
from a silo launcher and they were obtained based upon the results of SS-19 ICBM launches, proceeding
from the probability condition of not exceeding 2 σ.

Ø Low frequency vibration

Vibration loads on S/C are presented in the form of wide-band random vibrations and sinusoidal
vibrations. Vibration loads on S/C in the form of sinusoidal vibrations are presented below:

Frequency range, Hz Acceleration amplitude, g

5 – 25 0.8
25 – 200 0.8 - 3.1
200 – 600 3.1 - 4.6
600 - 2000 4.6 - 5.4
Duration 300 s
TABLE 3 : VIBRATION LOADS FOR THE BOOST PHASE

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Frequency range, Hz Acceleration amplitude, g

15 – 200 0.8 - 2.3
200 – 600 2.3 - 3.8
600 - 2000 3.8
Duration 180 s

TABLE 4 : VIBRATION LOADS FOR THE MIS OPERATION PHASE

Vibration loads on S/C in the form of wide-band random vibrations are presented below:
2
Frequency range, Hz Spectral power density, g /Hz
20 - 90 0.011
90 - 180 0.011 - 0.021
180 - 400 0.021
400 - 2000 0.021 - 0.008
Overall deviation 5.1
Duration 300 s

TABLE 5 : VIBRATION LOADS IN THE FORM OF WIDE-BAND RANDOM

VIBRATIONS FOR THE BOOST PHASE

Frequency range, Hz Acceleration amplitude, g

20 – 150 0.010
150 – 180 0.010 - 0.015
180 – 600 0.015
600 - 2000 0.015 - 0.004
Duration 180 s

TABLE 6 : VIBRATION LOADS IN THE FORM OF WIDE-BAND RANDOM VIBRATIONS

FOR THE MIS OPERATION PHASE

3.4.3 Shock

Shock loads on the S/C launched by Strela during the MIS propulsion system ignition and cutoff, nose
fairing jettisoning and pyro devices operation are shown in Figure 9 in the form of a vibration load
spectrum envelope.
Maximum shock loads during S/C separation from the launch vehicle in the event of using pyro separation
devices are shown in Figure 10.

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FIGURE 9 : SHOCK LOADS DURING THE MIS PROPULSION SYSTEM IGNITION AND CUT OFF

FIGURE 10 : MAXIMUM SHOCK LOADS DURING S/C SEPARATION

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3.4.4 Thermal environment

This subsection presents data on thermal loads on the S/C.

After encapsulation, the payload is protected by an air-conditioning system. This system has the
following characteristics:

§ Conditions in the integration facilities:

Temperature Between 15°C (± 2°) and 25°C (± 2°)

Relative humidity From 30% to 70%
Cleanliness Class 100,000 at air inlet payload compartment

§ Conditions during transportation to the launch site and during pre-launch preparation:
- During L/V transportation to the launch site and staying there, the fairing is covered with a thermal
bag under which, using the thermostatting system, the temperature between 10° and 30° and
humidity of 30 - 70% is maintained.
- During the three hours of the head section mating with the L/V and the three hours prior to launch,
the thermal control system does not operate. Allowable temperature of the S/C in this period is
ensured by respective S/C warming or cooling in advance.

§ Conditions during the flight under the fairing:

The nose fairings have thermal protection coatings on the other surface. The SHS-1 nose fairing
has thermal insulation coating on the inner surface. Figure 11 shows the thermal protection coating
application scheme of SHS-1 nose fairing, and for SHS-2.

T her m al
protection
coating

SHS-1 SHS-2
FIGURE 11 : THERMAL PROTECTION COATING OF SHS-1 AND SHS-2 FAIRINGS

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3.4.5 Variation of static pressure under fairing

Pressure variation inside the nose fairing is graphically shown in Figure 12. The pressure under the
fairing lies within the limits between Pmax and Pmin with consideration for atmospheric pressure spread.
The mean curve is nominal static pressure of standard atmosphere at the respective flight altitude.

1 - Pmax

2 - Pmean

3 - Pmin

FIGURE 12 : VARIATION OF STATIC PRESSURE UNDER THE FAIRING DURING ASCENT

3.5 Operation constraints

Ø Ground constraints : -

Ø Launch rate capability : production and launch capacity is announced to exceed six
launches per year.

Ø Procurement lead time : 20-month cycle between contract signature and launch, which in
specific cases can be shortened (see Figure 13).

A Strela launch campaign has a nominal duration of

30 working days.

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FIGURE 13 : COMBINED OPERATIONS SCHEDULE WITH MAJOR MILESTONES

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4. LAUNCH INFORMATION

4.1 Launch site

Ø Svobodny

The main cosmodrome for S/C launch by Strela is the Svobodny Cosmodrome located in the Amur
region north of Blagoveshchensk town. Cosmodrome coordinates are 51.8°N and 128.2°E.
The relief of the terrain near the Cosmodrome is hilly with hill heights up to 400 m. Mixed forests
occupy about 70% of the terrain. The climate is continental. Prevailing day time temperatures are
from –10°C to –15°C in winter. Minimum temperature can reach –40°C. Prevailing day time
temperatures are from +18°C up to +25°C in summer, maximum summer temperature is +32°C.
The north-west and south-east winds with 1 to 5 m/sec velocity dominate during the year. The
Svobodny Cosmodrome location allows to launch S/C into orbits with inclinations within the ranges of
51,8° to 63° and 90° to 99° including sun - synchronous orbits.

1 - Strela Launch Pad ; 6 - Strela TP ;

2 - Start-1 Launch Pad ; 7 - Instrumentation point ;
3 - Start-1 Technical Position (TP), 8 - Helicopter field ;
Technical Position of Strela SHS ; 9 - Launch team residence ;
4 - TP of S/C and SHS assembly ; 10 - Administrative and residential areas
5 - Command post ; of the Svobodny cosmodrome ;
FIGURE 14 : SVOBODNY LAUNCH SITE – SCHEME OF MAIN FACILITIES

Launch complex

The cosmodrome launch complex is designed to prepare the Strela for launch with various classes of S/C.

The launch complex includes:

– the silo launcher (SL) with technological equipment and technical systems;
– the command post;
– several cable control and communication lines;
– a power supply system;
– a security system;
– facilities, communication lines, approach lines.
At the first phase (2000-2001) the cosmodrome had one SL modified for Strela launch. It is located at
51°50’06”N and 128°16’30”E. In the future, the SL amount can be brought up to 2 or 3.

The control of pre-launch and launch operations is carried out from the command post equipped with
remote control system and communication system with SL and ground control complex.

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At Silo Launcher, possibility is provided to check the S/C initial state by means of connecting the S/C
equipment located in SL by cable communication.
To protect the launch vehicle and SHS from exposure to atmospheric phenomena (rain, snow) in the silo
and maintain the temperature condition in the silo, the opening is covered with a technological protective
cover (see Figure 15).
The cosmodrome has mobile technical equipments to provide transportation, loading unloading, assembly
and integration with Strela and SHS as well as the filling of the tanks of first and second stages and
servicing of the L/V in SL.

1 - Protective cover
2 - SHS nose fairing
3 - Instrumental section
4 - Container with L/V
5 - Silo hole
6 - Technological protective cover

FIGURE 15 : SILO LAUNCHER

The silo-based universal launch system has been retained. Silo of Strela is the same as the one of SS-19.
By the same way, first and second booster stages (aluminium structure) and transportation launch
canister are unchanged.

The Strela with SHS launch preparation cycle has nominal duration of 18 working days, out of which 10
days are necessary for L/V preparation prior to mating with SHS, 8 days for joint checkouts at the launch
complex and for final preparation of L/V integrated with SHS for launch.

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The preparation time of S/C and SHS at the technical complex is 8 working days:

L - 19 days Arrival of Strela and SHS components at the cosmodrome.

L - 18 days Arrival of S/C and its ground equipment at the technical complex.
L - 1 to L - 17 days Mounting of the S/C ground equipment.
L - 16 to L - 8 days S/C assembly and tests. S/C filling.
L - 17 to L - 12 days SHS equipment checkouts; SHS preparation for assembly.
MIC propulsion tank filling.
L - 9 to L - 8 days SHS assembly (S/C mating, nose fairing with interim/mating stage mounting).
SHS checkouts. Preparation for transportation to the launch complex.
TABLE 7 : PREPARATION TIME OF S/C AND SHS AT THE TECHNICAL COMPLEX

L/V and S/C preparation for launch begins 18

days prior to launch and continues in parallel
and independently until the L – 9 days.
S/C preparation operations are carried out in
the clean zone of TP premises in the period
from the L – 16 days until the L – 9 days. S/C
filling is performed within the same period.
SHS checkouts and SHS preparation for
assembly are carried out in the integration and
test building room on the assembly (mounting)
stand from the L – 17 until L – 12 days.
S/C assembly with SHS and subsequent
checkouts are performed in the clean zone of
the TP premises in the period from the L - 9
until the L - 8 days.
The S/C delivery in the customer's container is
carried out by air-plane to the airport in
Blagoveshchensk and then to the technical
position in the wagon with temperature control
or on a special vehicle where temperature
control is provided.
The SHS transportation to the launch complex
is carried out on the transportation and loading
vehicle using thermal bag if necessary.

FIGURE 16 : PREPARATION FOR LAUNCH

Launch preparation operations at the launch complex is described as follows:

L – 18 to L – 8 days L/V mounting in silo launcher (SL). Electrical checkouts.
L/V and SL preparation to SHS mating.
L – 8 days SHS transportation to the launch complex.
L – 8 to L – 6 days SHS mating with L/V. Electric tests with telemetry recording. Data analysis.
L – 6 to L – 4 days S/C electrical checkouts at the launch complex. Test results analysis.
L – 4 to L – 2 days. Strela filling
L – 2 to L – 0 days Final operations on L/V at SL.
L – 2 hours Personnel evacuation. Pre-launch preparation
L–0 Launch
TABLE 8 : LAUNCH PREPARATION OPERATIONS AT THE LAUNCH COMPLEX

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Ø Baïkonur

Launches of Strela can be carried out from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. In this case, spacecraft can be
placed into orbits with i = 62,8°.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome located in the Republic of Kazakhstan can be used for S/C launching into the
orbit with 62.8° inclination.
The technical and launch complexes available in the cosmodrome for RS-18 ICBM launches ensure fully
preparation and launch of SHS using the Strela.
The S/C and SHS preparation is carried out in the integration and test building in which there is a clean
room consisting of three sections:
2
– clean premises of the class 100 000 for S/C assembly and tests (80 m );
2
– clean premises of the class 100 000 for SHS assembly (90 m );
2
– airlock (100 m ) in which S/C container, SHS elements and ground equipment are cleaned prior to
their transportation into clean premises 1 and 2.

4.2 Sequence of flight events

FIGURE 17 : SEQUENCE OF FLIGHT EVENTS

The orbit with the following parameters is used as a typical trajectory:

H = 1000 km, i = 62.8° mass = 1060 kg

Events Flight Velocity Altitude

Time (s) (m/s) (km)
1 Separation of 1-2 stages 126.1 3555 70
2 Separation of nose fairing 164.25 3992 114
3 Separation of the mechanisms and instruments section
309.1 7727 240
and space head section cluster ; start of passive flight
4 Starting of the propulsion plant of the mechanisms and
1575 6894 1000
instruments section
5 Spacecraft seperation 1760 7371 1000

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The Strela injects spacecraft into circular and elliptical orbits. Spacecraft can be injected into earth-
centered orbits through two schemes:

1. Injection into low earth-centered orbits through a continuous scheme: propulsion system of the MIS
(functioning as a booster section) is fired immediately after separation from the second stage booster.
2. Injection into high orbits: after separation from the second stage booster, the MIS and SHS are in a
stabilized passive flight. Stabilization is ensured at the expense of the instrumentation compartment
propulsion plant which is part of the space head section. Upon reaching of the transfer orbit apogee,
the propulsion plant of the MIS is fired and an additional boost is made up to a required circular orbital
velocity.
Upon reaching a required circular orbital velocity, the S/C is separated and the mechanisms and
instruments section compartment are taken away with the help of the instrumentation compartment
propulsion system.

4.3 Launch record data

LAUNCH DATE NUMBER OF

ORBIT RESULT REMARK
SATELLITES

05.12.03 1 LEO success -

Ø Previsional reliability: 144 SS-19 launches out of a total number of 147 were successful.

Ø Failures : None

Ø Success ratio : 100 % (1/1)

4.4 Planned launches

Not available

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5. DESCRIPTION

5.1 Launch vehicle

1 - First stage
2 - Second stage
3 - Mechanisms and
instruments section
4 - Measuring instruments
compartment
5 - Interim/mating stage
6 - Nose fairing
7 - Spacecraft

FIGURE 18 : STRELA LAUNCH VEHICLE

5.2 Overall vehicle

Ø Overall length : 26 m (with SHS-1) ; 29.2 m (with SHS-2)
Ø Maximum diameter : 2.5 m
Ø Lift-off mass : ~ 105 t

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5.3 General characteristics of the stages

STAGE 1 2

Designation SS-19 STAGE 1 SS-19 STAGE 2

Manufacturer CADB CADB

Length (m) 17.2 3.9

Diameter (m) 2.5 2.5

Dry mass (t) 5.695 1.485

Propellant: Liquid Liquid

- Type Storable Storable

- Fuel UDMH UDMH

- Oxidizer N2O4 N2O4

Propellant:

- Mass (t) 71.45 10.71

- Fuel - -

- Oxidizer - -

Tank:

- Structure Aluminium Aluminium

- Pressurization type Hot gas Hot gas

- Pressure (bar)

Lift-off mass (t) 77.150 12.195

Ø Launch vehicle growth:

Not available.

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5.4 Propulsion

STAGE 1 2

Designation SS-19 STAGE 1 SS-19 STAGE 2

Engine RD-0233 RD-0235
RD-0236 verniers
Manufacturer CADB CADB
Number of engines 4 1
1 vernier with 4 nozzles
Engine mass (kg) 2 400 1 000
Feed system type - -
Mixture ratio - -
Chamber pressure (bar) 205 75
Cooling - -
Propellant Feed System Closed-cycle turbopump Closed-cycle turbopump
Verniers: single shared turbopump
Specific impulse (s)
- sea level 285
- vacuum 310 320 Verniers: 293
Thrust (kN)
- sea level 1870
- vacuum 2070 240 Verniers: 15.76
Burning time (s) 121 183
Nozzle expansion ratio - -
Throtting Capability Yes 100%
Restart capability No No

FIGURE 19 : FIRST STAGE PROPULSION SYSTEM – RD-0233 AND RD-0235 ENGINES

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5.5 Guidance and Control

The autonomous onboard control system provides the launch vehicle control and stabilization at all
phases of the flight.

The telemetric measurement system provides monitoring of the launch vehicle autonomous onboard
control system operation during the boost phase as well as monitors nose fairing jettisoning and
spacecraft separation. The tracking system provides monitoring of the boost trajectory.

The electrical connectors for connecting S/C with ground equipment in the process of pre-launch
preparation and with L/V onboard control system are mounted in the Measuring Instruments
Compartment. S/C separation is performed on commands of L/V onboard control system.

6. DATA SOURCE REFERENCES

1. STRELA Launch Vehicle user manual second edition 1999 (NPO Mashinostroyenia)
rd
2. International Reference guide to Space Launch Systems – 3 Edition - [Link] – AIAA - 2001

3. FAS (Space Policy Project)- NPO Mashinostroyenia – [Link]/spp/civil/russia/npo_mash.htm

4. Site AIAA: [Link]

5. Article from the March 1999 issue of Russian Space News

[Link]/magazine/example/[Link]

6. Andrews Space & Technology - [Link]/spacedata/elvs/strela_sum.shtml

7. Information materials on Strela missile and space complex

[Link]

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