Leaving Orbit

LEAVING ORBIT

Upon completing the mission, the spacecraft returns to Earth after it has jettisoned the instrument and orbital modules.

Source: Space History Curatorial Files

Schematic of Soyuz readying itself for return to Earth

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BRAKING FOR LANDING

Although friction with Earth's atmosphere slows the spacecraft, it is still traveling too fast to survive impact. Parachutes further reduce its rate of descent.

Courtesy of RSC Energia

Soyuz parachutes fully deployed during landing

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LANDING AND RESCUE

Parachutes slow the craft until just before touchdown. At 2 meters (about 7 feet) above the ground, four small retro-rockets located at the base of the spacecraft slow it further for a softer landing.

Soyuz Spacecraft			Why Land on the Ground
Space Race > A Permanent Presence > Soyuz > 1-2-3-4-5 >> Space Shuttle