How can a Soyuz get to the space station in four orbits rather than the usual number?
Here’s some basic info, but I don’t know if it goes into the level of detail you’re looking for.
Thanks, Telemark.
I guess you just burn more fuel.
Actually, it doesn’t take any more fuel; in fact, it probably requires less than the more lugubrious trajector. It is just that the quicker incercept has a significantly shorter launch window and requires more precise targetting, which is made possible by recent (2010) avionics upgrades to the current generation Soyuz vehicle, which give it better on-board internal navigation and flight computer, as opposed from having to send telemetry to a ground station and receive feedback on orbital arguments. The Russians have been very cautious regarding upgrades to to the Soyuz system, and with good reason: it has one of the highest space launch and operation demonstrated reliabilities of any space launch system in history.
Stranger
Thanks.