On August 22, 2023, the Progress 85 cargo craft initiated its journey to the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA TV
With a successful launch, the Roscosmos Progress 85 spacecraft is now on its way to the International Space Station, planning to dock on August 24, and carry three tons of necessary supplies.
The uncrewed spacecraft, Roscosmos Progress 85, was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 22 (6:08 a.m. Baikonur time on August 23). It has safely reached orbit and is headed toward the International Space Station (ISS).
The resupply vessel attained a preliminary orbit, deploying its solar arrays and navigation antennas as part of its journey to join the orbiting laboratory and the crew members of Expedition 69.
Docked to the International Space Station’s Poisk module, the ISS Progress 84 cargo craft from Roscosmos is shown. Image credit: NASA
The scheduled docking to the Zvezda service module’s aft port will occur at approximately 11:50 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 24. The NASA Television Media Channel and the agency’s website will commence coverage of the rendezvous and docking process at 11 p.m.
The Progress will be transporting close to three tons of essentials such as food, fuel, and other supplies to the space station.
The ISS Progress 80 cargo craft, an uncrewed vehicle, is depicted shortly after undocking from the International Space Station’s Poisk module. The trash-laden Progress 80 was scheduled to reenter Earth’s atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean several hours later, meeting a fiery but safe end. Image credit: NASA
A series of uncrewed Russian spacecraft, Progress cargo craft, have been primarily developed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Managed and controlled by Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, these vessels are responsible for transporting crucial supplies including food, fuel, water, and scientific apparatus to the ISS. After cargo delivery, these spacecraft are generally filled with waste and deorbited, disintegrating upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Functioning as a crucial connection in preserving the functionality and sustainability of the ISS, Progress spacecraft have demonstrated reliability in supporting space station missions since the days of the Soviet space program.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Progress 85 launch
What is the Progress 85 spacecraft, and when did it launch?
The Progress 85 is a Russian cargo spacecraft designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). It was successfully launched on August 22, 2023, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
When is the scheduled docking of the Progress 85 with the ISS?
The scheduled docking of the Roscosmos Progress 85 spacecraft with the ISS is set for August 24, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m. EDT.
What supplies is the Progress 85 delivering to the ISS?
The Progress 85 is delivering almost three tons of essential supplies to the ISS, including food, fuel, water, and scientific equipment.
What is the role of Progress cargo craft in supporting the ISS?
Progress cargo craft are uncrewed Russian spacecraft designed primarily to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). They play a vital role in maintaining the operation and sustainability of the ISS, transporting necessary supplies, and are a reliable workhorse in the continued support of space station missions.
What happens to the Progress cargo craft after delivering their cargo?
After delivering their cargo, Progress cargo craft are typically filled with waste and deorbited, burning up upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
How can one watch the coverage of the rendezvous and docking process?
Coverage of the rendezvous and docking will begin at 11 p.m. on August 24, 2023, on the NASA Television Media Channel and the agency’s website.
More about Progress 85 launch
- Roscosmos Official Website
- NASA’s International Space Station Program
- Baikonur Cosmodrome Information
- NASA Television Media Channel
