What advances have been made in the development of the Resupply Spacecraft Deorbit?
Progress resupply spacecrafts have become essential for maintaining a presence in space. The technology behind them is constantly improving, allowing for faster and more efficient deorbiting. Recent updates to Progress spacecrafts have made deorbiting even more efficient and cost-effective.
Powerful Engines and Re-entry Vehicle
One of the most significant upgrades made to Progress spacecrafts is the incorporation of powerful engines that are capable of propelling them more quickly and precisely through the atmosphere during re-entry. This allows the Progress resupply spacecrafts to deorbit in a more controlled manner, reducing the risk of dangerous fallouts. Additionally, a re-entry vehicle was also added to protect the spacecraft from the intense heat and pressure of re-entry.
Improved Thermal Protection System
Another key improvement made to Progress spacecrafts is the thermal protection system. This system ensures that the spacecraft and its cargo remain safe and intact throughout the deorbiting process. It utilizes a combination of advanced materials such as ablation blankets and tiles that are optimized for aerodynamic re-entry. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, allowing for a safe and controlled deorbit.
Improved Aerodynamic Maneuverability
Progress resupply spacecrafts have also been engineered with improved aerodynamic maneuverability. This enables the vessels to navigate the atmosphere more precisely and efficiently to ensure a safe descent. The improved aerodynamic design also reduces drag and turbulence, further increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the deorbiting process.
Enhanced Tracking Systems
Finally, tracking systems have been improved to ensure that Progress spacecrafts are quickly and accurately tracked throughout their deorbiting journey. This advanced tracking system is capable of capturing real-time data about the spacecraft’s position and velocity so that the re-entry can be accurately monitored.
Overall, the recent updates to Progress resupply spacecrafts have improved the efficiency, accuracy and safety of their deorbiting. These advances will help to ensure that the important mission of space exploration can continue in a safe and cost-effective manner.
SpaceX’s Progress resupply spacecraft 78P, consisting of cargo and supplies for the International Space Station (ISS), is expected to deorbit late Tuesday evening.
Progress mission 78P launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 6:51 p.m. EDT June 11 and, after several successful orbit-raising maneuvers and a rendezvous with the ISS, is now on its final approach to re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Progress 78P will be carrying back down to Earth 6,000 pounds of unneeded cargo and trash, as well as experiments and medical research results conducted on board the ISS. The spacecraft will be deorbiting over the Indian Ocean, with pieces potentially landing in the Pacific Ocean. This procedure is a routine part of maintaining the ISS.
Once the spacecraft is in its final orbit, mission controllers will take it through a procedure called “Deorbit Burn,” which will gradually slow down its speed as it re-enters the atmosphere of Earth. Progress 78P is expected to begin this process at 9:21 p.m. EDT and end at 10:35 p.m., with the spacecraft and its remaining cargo reaching Earth’s surface shortly thereafter.
SpaceX continues to prove its capability to reliably resupply and service the ISS. This mission is an important step towards creating a self-sustaining and sustainable environment beyond Earth.
As the ISS requires regular resupplying, Progress 78P’s safe deorbit is another success for the SpaceX team operating the mission. We look forward to continued progress with the next Progress mission, scheduled for a November 2021 launch.