The International Space Station photographed the approach of Progress 85 cargo craft as it neared the Zvezda service module for the purpose of docking. Image Source: NASA TV
The Roscosmos Progress 85, an uncrewed spacecraft, reached the aft port of the Zvezda service module at the International Space Station at 11:45 p.m. EDT. This spacecraft was launched via a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 22 (which corresponds to 6:08 a.m. Baikonur time on August 23).
The Progress spacecraft’s mission is to transport nearly three tons of essential supplies including food, fuel, and other provisions to the International Space Station to support the Expedition 69 crew.
The spacecraft is scheduled to remain attached to the space station for roughly six months. Following this period, it will undock and safely re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled but destructive manner to dispose of waste collected by the crew.
A previous cargo vehicle, Russia’s Progress 73, is shown departing the International Space Station after detaching from the Pirs docking compartment. Containing waste, it was deorbited shortly thereafter and incinerated safely above the Pacific Ocean. Image Source: NASA
The Roscosmos Progress series, initiated by the Soviet Union and later managed by Russia, constitutes a lineage of uncrewed cargo spacecraft. These were explicitly engineered to cater to the space station programs in which the nation participated, such as supplying the Salyut and subsequently the Mir space stations, and now the International Space Station.
These particular spacecraft have been instrumental in sustaining prolonged human space missions by guaranteeing that space stations are adequately supplied with vital resources and fuel.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Russian Progress 85 cargo craft
What spacecraft docked with the International Space Station’s Zvezda service module?
The Russian Progress 85 cargo craft docked with the aft port of the Zvezda service module at the International Space Station.
When did the Progress 85 launch and arrive at the International Space Station?
The Progress 85 spacecraft launched at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 22 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and arrived at 11:45 p.m. EDT.
What is the main purpose of the Progress 85 cargo craft’s mission?
The main purpose of the mission is to deliver almost three tons of food, fuel, and other supplies to the International Space Station for the Expedition 69 crew.
How long will the Progress 85 spacecraft remain at the International Space Station?
The spacecraft will remain at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months before undocking for a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
What is the historical significance of the Roscosmos Progress spacecraft series?
The Roscosmos Progress spacecraft are a series of uncrewed cargo spacecraft initially developed by the Soviet Union, now managed by Russia. They play a crucial role in supporting long-duration human spaceflight by supplying space stations like the Salyut, Mir, and the International Space Station with necessary provisions and fuel.
More about Russian Progress 85 cargo craft
- NASA’s International Space Station Blog
- Roscosmos Official Website
- International Space Station Overview at NASA
- Soyuz Rocket Family at the Russian Space Web
- Baikonur Cosmodrome Information
