1. What precautions did Progress MS-22 take before arriving at the ISS?
Progress MS-22 Launches Successfully and Arrives at ISS
The Progress MS-22 spacecraft launched successfully from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on August 22, 2020, and arrived at the International Space Station two days later. The spacecraft, carrying almost three tons of supplies and instruments, uses a multipurpose module desgned for autonomous rendezvous and docking with the orbital station.
The successful mission marks the 22nd successful launch of the flagship resupply craft, and was the first mission to use the new automated mission control system, developed by Russian engineers.
The mission was decades in the making. Engineering teams have worked hard to improve the delivery process and the safety of the vehicle, and have placed special emphasis on remote control.
Progress MS-21 Develops Coolant Loop Leak
Unfortunately, the successful mission was overshadowed by the news that the Progress MS-21 spacecraft developed a coolant loop leak several days after launch. In an effort to mitigate the risk to the crew, the ISS’s orbit was maneuvered to reduce the gravity load on the spacecraft, and engineers continue to monitor the progress of the mission.
The cause of the leak is currently under investigation. Russia’s State Space Corporation (Roscosmos) reports that all necessary repairs are being made to ensure a successful mission.
Conclusion
The successful launch of the Progress MS-22 spacecraft proves that Russia’s space mission capabilities remain strong and reliable. The orbital station receives valuable supplies and instruments, and the engineers continue to troubleshoot and fix the cooling system loop leak in the Progress MS-21 spacecraft.
Both missions remain carefully monitored and engineers have taken steps to handle any potential issues. Thanks to the hard work of the Russian engineers, space exploration continues to move forward.
On Tuesday, 12th January 2021, the Russian Progress MS-22 cargo spacecraft concluded its two-day-long journey to the International Space Station (ISS), delivering nearly 3 tons of supplies to the orbiting laboratory. The supply module reached its designated parking spot near the Russian Zvezda module at 12:41 p.m. EST (1741 GMT) and marked the beginning of a mission that will last until April 20.
Meanwhile, on the same day, another Russian Progress cargo ship, the Progress MS-21, encountered a problem during its upcoming mission to the station. After the freighter’s coolant loop experienced an air leak, Roscosmos technicians had to suspend cruise operations and kept the spacecraft in a safe mode. The agency is in contact with the Progress MS-21 and is actively working to bring it up to a steady state for its further journey to the ISS.
The Progress MS-22 spacecraft, which was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, is carrying about 2.7 tons of fuel, food, water, and other supplies for the six district Expedition 64 crew members currently living and doing science aboard the ISS. A significant component of the spacecraft’s cargo consists of the fresh supplies and gears to be used in the upcoming spacewalks scheduled to take place in February and March.
The Russia’s Progress MS-22 supply mission is a remarkable feat of engineering and an example of the success which science and technology can achieve when combined. The mission clearly shows that despite all the setbacks due to the ongoing pandemic, researchers and astronauts around the world are still able to provide consistent support to keep the space exploration efforts moving forward. As the ISS crew continues to explore the outer reaches of the universe, we can only wish them success, joy and safe returns.