Express Route to Orbit

[HazMatt]

So why are we using this expedited flight path only now? I assume this isn't a new phenomenon. Is it an enhanced capability of the new Soyuz launch systems?

QUOTE FROM ARTICLE:
"Three astronauts have arrived at the International Space Station after being the first to try out a new "express" route that slashes their launch-to-docking commute from two days to just six hours...En route to the station, they made only four orbits instead of the usual two-day launch-to-docking mission profile for a Russian spacecraft.

FULL ARTICLE:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way...NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20130329

 

[Pipcard]

Yeah, I'm also wondering why it took two days back then.

 

[orb]

A route to orbit takes some 8-10 minutes, but I guess you meant "Express Route to ISS' Orbit" or rather "Express randez-vous with ISS" (as the thread's title).

 

[Urwumpe]

Is it an enhanced capability of the new Soyuz launch systems?http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way...NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20130329

This. It is a vastly improved version of the Kurs-A docking system, the Kurs-NA. Instead of 5 (mostly analog) antennas, it uses a single combined antenna for radar and digital communication. This antenna has also a much longer range than the old one, permitting to acquire the ISS at much longer distance and starting the rendezvous earlier.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/07/progress-m-15m-re-docks-iss-kurs-na/

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/08/progress-m-16m-launch-test-new-fast-rendezvous-iss/

The most important part of the trick is, that the ISS maneuvers itself over 6 months into a position, that permits the launch vehicle to leave the Soyuz spacecraft exactly 30° mean anomaly behind the ISS. (about 3500 km behind the ISS) - the high accuracy of the launcher is the most important factor for docking.