Specialists of RSC Energia and Space Center Yuzhny at the Baikonur Cosmodrome successfully completed the leak tests of manned transport vehicle (MTV) of a new modification Soyuz MS-4.

The purpose of testing space technology in a vacuum chamber using a helium-air medium in volumes to be checked at present is the most objective method for a leak check in ground conditions ensuring a check of the given strict requirements for leak-proofness.

The launch of the Soyuz MS-04 MTV with the crew of the next long-term expedition to the International Space Station is scheduled for April 20, 2017 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The unique vacuum complex 17Т523М 1515 cubic meters in volume was developed on the basis of vacuum chamber 17Т523 which was intended for leak tests of large-sized compartments and pneumatic and hydraulic systems of the Buran orbiters. Due to the new configuration, the complex could be used for testing large-sized space technology. A number of products was successfully tested in vacuum chamber 17Т523М including the Soyuz, Progress spacecraft, ISS Russian Segment Zvezda, Pirs and Poisk Modules, the Yamal communication satellites and others. As a result of the major reconstruction work completed in 2016 the obsolete devices and units of the complex were replaced by up-to-date ones. The modern vacuum pumps, seals, as well as the cooling system elements were installed, the analogue control unit of the complex was replaced by electronic one. The chamber body and the cradle for loading products were subjected to restoration procedures.