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The soyuz strap-on boosters are constructed primarily of steel, as opposed to aluminum, so they tend to survive the reentry and litho-braking better than most p

• avmich 8y ago
  > The soyuz strap-on boosters are constructed primarily of steel, as opposed to aluminum I don't think it's the case. AFAIK, standard material for tanks construction - and tanks in R-7 are load-bearing, unlike those in V-2 - is AMg-6, aluminum alloy with magnesium as main addition. This alloy is chosen to keep construction operations simple - using riveting - without too much risk of fracturing the sheets of metal. Engine is second biggest piece by mass in the booster. The chamber is made from copper alloy - practically pure copper, with some small additions of chromium (bronze BrH-08). Gas generator (which uses high test peroxide, 82%) could be from steel (or some other high temperature resistant alloy), yes, but it's a relatively small device. Same is for turbopumps. For second stage it's often the case that it falls laying horizontally - caused by aerodynamics. First stage boosters aren't that lengthy, comparing to their width, but they can also fall sideways. This kind of landing is less destructive, so some parts could survive the landing. First stage boosters have the advantage of falling from lesser heights and having smaller initial speed, so they have little problems with aerodynamic drag - way less heat to survive.