Since its first flight in 1967, the Soyuz spacecraft has undergone many modifications, but has retained the same basic configuration. It is made up of three main sections. At the rear is an equipment and instrument module, to which solar arrays are attached to generate electrical power. Next comes the command, or descent module, in which the crew make their descent from orbit. At front is the orbital module, which provides working and storage space. This has a docking probe for linking up with the docking hatches of space stations. The crew compartments are pressurized with a nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere at normal sea-level pressure. The spacecraft carries a crew of two or three cosmonauts. The descent module separates from the others prior to re-entry. The crew remain in the module during the landing phase. Braking through the atmosphere is provided by parachutes, followed by retrorocket braking just before touchdown on land.
