Angara Rocket Family
The Angara rocket family is a series of light, medium, and heavy-class rockets developed by Russia, featuring an oxygen-kerosene engine based on a universal rocket module.
Modular Assembly
The Angara rocket is built using a modular assembly principle, consisting of a unified missile module (URM) that can be arranged to form light, medium, or heavy-class launch vehicles.
Components
The URM includes a propulsion system, instrument compartment, tanks for fuel and oxidizer, and a nose fairing. The Angara 1.2 PP consists of a first stage, second stage, nose fairing, payload, and booster.
Launch Complex
The launch complex features a cable filling tower, which performs a windproof function and provides a cocoon-like environment for the rocket. The launchpad is the heart of the complex, with a metal cladding that protects the area from jet fire during takeoff.
Transportation and Installation
The rocket is transported to the launch site using a special train, and then installed on the launchpad using a complex system of hydraulic cylinders and automatic docking units.
Launch and Flight
The rocket is monitored by measurement tools during launch, and then controlled by the Space Systems control center during flight. The Angara rocket successfully lifted off and reached orbit, marking a significant milestone for the Russian Space Program.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Modular Assembly | The process of building a rocket using interchangeable modules, allowing for easy reconfiguration and customization. | The Angara rocket’s modular assembly enables it to be used as a light, medium, or heavy-class launch vehicle. |
| Oxygen-Kerosene Engine | A type of rocket engine that uses a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants. | The Angara rocket’s oxygen-kerosene engine provides a reliable and efficient source of propulsion. |
| Unified Missile Module (URM) | A reusable module that serves as the core of the Angara rocket, containing the propulsion system, instrument compartment, and fuel tanks. | The URM is the foundation of the Angara rocket’s modular design, allowing for easy reconfiguration and customization. |
| Launch Complex | A specialized facility designed to support the launch of a rocket, featuring equipment such as cable filling towers and launchpads. | The Angara rocket’s launch complex provides a safe and efficient environment for launch and ascent. |
| Transportation and Installation | The process of moving a rocket to the launch site and installing it on the launchpad, often involving specialized equipment and techniques. | The Angara rocket is transported to the launch site using a special train and then installed on the launchpad using hydraulic cylinders and automatic docking units. |
| Launch and Flight | The process of launching a rocket into space and controlling its trajectory during ascent and orbit. | The Angara rocket successfully lifted off and reached orbit, marking a significant milestone for the Russian Space Program. |
| Space Systems Control Center | A specialized facility responsible for monitoring and controlling the flight of a rocket, often using advanced measurement tools and computer systems. | The Space Systems control center monitored the Angara rocket’s flight and made adjustments as needed to ensure a successful mission. |
| Booster | A component of a rocket that provides additional thrust during ascent, often used to increase the rocket’s payload capacity or range. | The Angara 1.2 PP features a booster that provides additional thrust during ascent, allowing it to carry heavier payloads. |
| Nose Fairing | A protective covering that shields the payload during ascent and is jettisoned once the rocket reaches orbit. | The Angara rocket’s nose fairing protects the payload during ascent and is jettisoned once the rocket reaches orbit. |
| Payload | The cargo or passengers being carried by a rocket, often including satellites, spacecraft, or other payloads. | The Angara rocket can carry a variety of payloads, including satellites and spacecraft. |
Vocabulary Quiz
Answer Key
1. a) Modular assembly principle
2. a) To provide a cocoon-like environment for the rocket
3. a) A special train
4. d) To control the rocket’s instruments
5. a) It marked a significant milestone for the Russian Space Program
The Use of the Present Simple and Present Perfect in Technical Descriptions
| Explanation |
|---|
| In technical descriptions, the present simple is used to describe the general characteristics, components, and features of a system, process, or device. The present perfect, on the other hand, is used to describe an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present, often emphasizing the completion of an action or its relevance to the current situation. In the provided text, the present simple is used to describe the components and features of the Angara rocket family, while the present perfect is used to describe the successful launch and reaching of orbit. |
Quiz
Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence:
1. The Angara rocket family ____________________ (feature) an oxygen-kerosene engine based on a universal rocket module.
A) features
B) has featured
C) is featuring
D) featured
2. The URM ____________________ (include) a propulsion system, instrument compartment, tanks for fuel and oxidizer, and a nose fairing.
A) includes
B) has included
C) is including
D) included
3. The rocket ____________________ (monitor) by measurement tools during launch, and then ____________________ (control) by the Space Systems control center during flight.
A) is monitored, is controlled
B) monitors, controls
C) has monitored, has controlled
D) was monitored, was controlled
4. The Angara rocket ____________________ (successfully lift) off and ____________________ (reach) orbit, marking a significant milestone for the Russian Space Program.
A) has successfully lifted, has reached
B) successfully lifts, reaches
C) is successfully lifting, is reaching
D) successfully lifted, reached
5. The launch complex ____________________ (feature) a cable filling tower, which performs a windproof function and provides a cocoon-like environment for the rocket.
A) features
B) has featured
C) is featuring
D) featured
Answer Key
1. A) features
2. A) includes
3. A) is monitored, is controlled
4. A) has successfully lifted, has reached
5. A) features
