PART OF ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR 1970s SOVIET SPACECRAFT SOYUZ OR ZOND

This 20-kilogram Soviet space artifact from the 1970s is believed to be a part of the attitude control system for an early version of the Soyuz spacecraft (7K-OK) for flights to orbital stations, or for the lunar program spacecraft of Zond series (7K-L1) based on the Soyuz. Its strange shape is due to the spherical shape of Soviet spacecraft. This device is marked Block-II BEU-2 #4. On its front panel there are several distribution pipes, wires with electrical connectors, an air supply switch (with open-closed positions), as well as two valves for charging liquid and air.

Markings. The ends of the distribution pipes and electrical connectors are covered with threaded caps through which a wire with the original seal passes. The distribution pipes are marked with the Russian letters V. Ts. F. In addition, the front panel has the following markings:
- Block-II BEU-2 #4 (this is duplicated on a cardboard attached to a wire);
- Air;
- Close before the launch;
- Closed;
- Liquid charging;
- Air charging 150 atm.

Design features. The device seems to work with a spacecraft's cold gas thrusters. Most likely it's charged with liquid nitrogen as the "liquid" and pressurized with the air under 150 atm. Air pressure pushes the nitrogen through small cold gas thrusters what makes the spacecraft move and rotate in different planes to give it the correct orientation in space. Presumably, the device has an electrically driven valve system in its design.

Provenance. This device has been taken from garage of the former participant of the early Soviet program. He worked at Baikonur launch pad in 1960-1980-s and collected many interesting devices as space memorabilia but his relatives are not aware about the purpose of certain devices he collected.

Condition - very good for its 50 years age. There are some signs of dirt, scratches and paint dents on the body. Everything else appeared to be intact. The heavy weight of the device is most likely due to the fact that there is a pressurized gas cylinder in it. Distribution pipes connectors and electrical connector are stopped with wire and sealed with a lead seal.

Overall dimentions: 26x20x20" (65x50x50 cm).

  Made in the USSR.

Designed for the Soviet space program!

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