Results of re-using Soyuz manned spacecraft descent thrusters

This paper presents the results of re-using the descent thrusters of the descent module of Soyuz manned transportation spacecraft. A description of the thrusters design, their performance and configuration on the descent module is provided. Based on statistical evidence on the remaining life of thrusters, it was stated that the remaining lifetime is more than one and a half times higher than the required value for re-use. The results of stand-alone tests of catalytic packages and thrusters are presented to confirm the re-usability. It was demonstrated that the performance of thrusters when being re-used remain within the limits allowed by the design documentation. A description of the post-flight maintenance program is presented, based on which results a certificate of fitness for thruster re-use is issued. The statistics of the re-use of the descent thrusters is provided. As of June 1, 2020, 40 thrusters were admitted for re-use. All thrusters operated with no comments. Key words: descent module, low-thrust jet engine, hydrogen peroxide, re-use.