1. What supplies were delivered to Station on the Progress Resupply Mission?
Progress Resupply Mission docks to Station
On Sunday, the Progress MS-16 cargo spacecraft docked to the International Space Station, carrying supplies for the Expedition 64 crew. This is the first unmanned launch to the station since April, when the Russian Soyuz rocket failed shortly after launch. The Progress Resupply Mission was launched just two days earlier from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
What Supplies were Brought?
This mission brought important supplies to the research facility, including:
- 1,360kg of propellant
- 420kg of oxygen and air
- 50kg of scientific research tools
- 300kg of food, water, and supplies
These supplies will be used to ensure the safety of the crew and the proper functioning of the station for the next few months.
How was the Mission Executed?
The mission was a complex and precise operation that was completed successfully by the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos. The mission was monitored and controlled via the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia. The Progress spacecraft used a series of automated maneuvers and thruster burns to complete the rendezvous and docking procedure. Once the craft was in place, it was securely fastened to the station using telescopic barbs.
What’s Next?
The next resupply mission is expected to take place in late November when the Russian Progress MS-17 craft launches and docks to the station. This mission will continue to replenish and maintain the station’s vital supplies. With the successful completion of this mission, the crew on the ISS can now continue their important research, undeterred.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has announced the successful docking of their Progress Resupply Mission (PRM) to the International Space Station (ISS). The unmanned mission was the seventh commercial resupply mission by ULA and was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA on December 6th.
The Progress cargo capsule was used to carry over 5,900 lbs. of supplies and equipment to the ISS. Of this, 2,619 lbs. consisted of fuel, air, scientific research materials, and essential items for the Expedition 64 crew.
After launch, the mission took three days to reach the ISS. It orbited the Earth four times, performing three precision maneuvers to align with the ISS. The capsule was then docked to the space station using robotic arms. The whole docking process was supervised by the joint efforts of ULA, NASA, and Roscosmos mission teams.
This successful mission marks a milestone for ULA in providing cargo services to outer space. ULA plans to launch a similar mission, the HTV-13, to the ISS in April 2021. Additionally, ULA is also planning to expand their services to other space locations like the Moon and Mars.
Overall, the mission was a great success, even though the docking procedure took longer than anticipated. The docking marks the beginning of the PRM mission and the successful completion of another important step toward ULA’s space exploration services.