Expedition 17's Soyuz Rocket Is Rolled To The Launch Pad

[bulldaawg]

What are the 4 large square panels on the side of the upper stage...

[TerryJHancock]

@bulldaawg The plans call them aerodynamic speed brakes. I think they must only be used in the event of a high-altitude/high-speed abort (in which shroud and spacecraft are ejected by the escape tower, then the landing module is recovered by parachute). They are missing from the shroud on Progress (for which there is no crew to save in an abort).

[roeboat72]

I have to admit, I love how the Russians make these as simple as possible. Why stuck the rocket upwards when you can do it sideways, and why use a crawler transporter when you can have a train do it. It works for them just like how the United States way works for us.

[chillaxer1993]

this is such a reliable rocket. for 50 years, the Russians have used the R-7 Sputnik derived engines. awesome!

[humexavier]

Future Idea:Ever heard of magnetized rocket wings,small rocket wings that are highly magnetized against each other with high energy wings and lower wings are half size of upper; but both are highly magnetized and much less vibration of launch wing drag.

[000darkstar000]

AWSUM vid thnx 4post'n*****