Progress MS

Progress MSПрогресс МС

Progress MS-11 approaching the ISS
Manufacturer	Energia
Country of origin	Russia
Operator	Roscosmos
Applications	ISS resupply
Specifications
Spacecraft type	Cargo
Launch mass	7,290 kg (16,070 lb)
Payload capacity	Launch: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb) Disposal: 2,140 kg (4,720 lb)
Volume	7 m^3 (250 cu ft) in cargo section
Regime	Low Earth orbit
Design life	240 days when docked to a space station[a]
Production
Status	Active
On order	8
Built	29
Launched	31 (as of 11 September 2024)
Operational	2 (MS-30, MS-31)
Retired	28
Lost	1 (MS‑04)
Maiden launch	21 December 2015 (MS-01)
Last launch	Active
Related spacecraft
Derived from	Progress M
Flown with	Soyuz-2.1a (2015–)Soyuz-U (2016–2017)Soyuz-FG (2018–2019)

The Progress MS (Russian: Прогресс МС; GRAU: 11F615A61) is the latest version of the Russian Progress spacecraft series, first launched in 2015. The "MS" stands for "modernized systems," reflecting upgrades primarily focused on the communications and navigation subsystems. An evolution of the Progress M spacecraft, the Soyuz MS features minimal external changes, mainly in the placement of antennas, sensors, and thrusters. It is used by Roscosmos for cargo spaceflight missions. Progress MS-01 conducted its maiden flight on 21 December 2015, heading to the International Space Station (ISS).

Design

Like all previous variants, the Progress MS spacecraft consists of three distinct sections:^[1]

• Cargo Section: This pressurized carries supplies for the crew, including maintenance items, prepackaged and fresh food, scientific equipment, and clothing. Its docking drogue, similar to that of the Soyuz, features ducting that enables fuel transfer (described below).
• Tanker Section: Replacing the Soyuz's reentry module, this unpressurized compartment houses two tanks containing unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel and dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) oxidizer. Ducts run from these tanks around the outside of the pressurized module to connectors at the docking port, allowing automated fuel transfer. This design prevents any potential leaks of the toxic propellant from contaminating the station's atmosphere. This section also contains water tanks.
• Propulsion Section: Located at the rear of the spacecraft, this unpressurized compartment remains largely unchanged from the Soyuz design. It contains the orientation engines used for automatic docking and can be utilized to boost the station's orbit once docked.

The Progress spacecraft's uncrewed and disposable design enables significant weight reduction. Unlike Soyuz, it does not require life support systems, heat shields, parachutes, or automatic crew rescue systems. Additionally, it lacks the ability to separate into multiple modules. after completing its mission, the spacecraft undocks, performs a controlled retrofire, and burns up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

Technical specifications^[2]

• Launch mass: 7,290 kilograms (16,070 lb)
• Total payload capacity at launch: 2,600 kilograms (5,700 lb) – the following amounts exceed this capacity, giving planners the ability to match the payload to the needs of the station
  • Dry cargo (in cargo section): Up to 1,800 kilograms (4,000 lb)
  • Propellant: Up to 870 kilograms (1,920 lb)
  • Water: Up to 420 kilograms (930 lb)
  • Gases: Up to 50 kilograms (110 lb)
• Total payload capacity (in cargo section) for disposal: 2,140 kilograms (4,720 lb)

Progress MS improvements

The Progress MS received the following upgrades with compared to the Progress M:^[2][3][4][5]

• Kurs-NA rendezvous system: The Kurs-NA (Russian: Курс-Новая Активная, romanized: Kurs-Novaya Aktivnaya, meaning "Course–New Active") is an automatic docking system developed and manufactured in Russia to replace the earlier Ukrainian-built Kurs system. The change was driven in part by the need to reduce reliance on Ukrainian hardware following the deterioration of relations and armed conflict between the two countries.^[6] It also modernizes the equipment with a higher degree of computerization and addresses the obsolescence of components in the original system. The Kurs-NA is about 25 kg (55 lb) lighter, 30% smaller, and consumes 25% less power than its predecessor. It employs a single phased-array antenna in place of four older antennas, while two narrow-angle antennas were retained but repositioned toward the rear. The system also replaces the halogen headlight used for docking assistance with a brighter, more energy-efficient LED lamp.^[7]
• Unified Command and Telemetry System (EKTS, Russian: Единая Командно-Телеметрическая Система, romanized: Edinaya Komandno-Telemetricheskaya Sistema): Replaces earlier systems (BRTS, MBITS, Rassvet) with a single unit that supports satellite communications via Russia’s Luch relay network, covering up to 83% of each orbit. It incorporates the Apparatus for Satellite Navigation (ASN-K, Russian: Аппаратура Спутниковой Навигации [АСН-К], romanized: Apparatura Sputnikovoi Navigatsii), which replaces a ground-based tracking network of six stations across Russia that provided only partial orbital coverage. ASN-K uses GLONASS and GPS signals through four fixed antennas, delivering positional accuracy of 5 m (16 ft) and 0.5° attitude accuracy. The spacecraft also retains VHF and UHF radios, can interface with U.S. TDRSS and European EDRS networks, and carries a COSPAS-SARSAT transponder for real-time reentry tracking.^[8][9]
• Additional micro-meteoroid protection: Additional anti-micro-meteoroid shielding was added to the cargo section module walls. This measure was designed to safeguard the spacecraft's most vulnerable component against the unlikely but potential threat of a meteoroid or space debris impact.
• Improved docking mechanism: The docking system received a backup electric driving mechanism.^[10]
• Digital camera system: The spacecraft utilizes a digital television camera system based on MPEG-2, replacing the older analog system. This upgrade enables space-to-space RF communication between the spacecraft and the station and reduces interference.
• CubeSat deployment platform: New external compartment that enables it to deploy CubeSats. Each compartment can hold up to four launch containers. First time installed on Progress MS-03.

List of flights

Spacecraft	S/N	Launch (UTC)	Carrierrocket	Launchpad	Docking			Deorbit(UTC)	Remarks
					Port	Docking(UTC)	Undocking(UTC)
Progress MS-01	431	21 December 201508:44:39	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	23 December 10:27	2 July 201623:48	3 July 07:03	ISS-62P
Progress MS-02	432	31 March 201616:23:57	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	2 April 17:58	14 October 09:37	14 October	ISS-63P
Progress MS-03[11]	433	16 July 201621:41:45[12]	Soyuz-U	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	19 July 00:20	31 January 201714:25	31 January 17:34	ISS-64P
Progress MS-04	434	1 December 201614:51:52	Soyuz-U	Site 1/5	Zvezda aft	—	—	1 December (Failed to reach orbit)	ISS-65P.Soyuz third stage anomaly. Vehicle lost 190 km (120 mi) over Tuva. Failed to reach orbit.
Progress MS-05	435	22 February 201705:58:33	Soyuz-U	Site 1/5	Pirs nadir	24 February 08:30	20 July 12:00	20 July	ISS-66P
Progress MS-06	436	14 June 201709:20:13	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	16 June 11:37	28 December 01:03	28 December	ISS-67P
Progress MS-07	437	14 October 201708:47	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	16 October 11:37	28 March 201813:50	26 April	ISS-68P
Progress MS-08	438	13 February 201808:13:33	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	15 February10:38	23 August02:16	30 August	ISS-69P
Progress MS-09	439	9 July 201821:51:33	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	10 July 01:31	25 January 201912:55	25 January	ISS-70P.It took just 3 hours, 40 minutes to dock the spacecraft to the ISS after the rocket's launch.[13]
Progress MS-10	440	16 November 201818:14:08	Soyuz-FG	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	18 November 19:28	4 June 201908:40	4 June	ISS-71P
Progress MS-11	441	4 April 201911:01:35	Soyuz-FG	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	4 April 14:25	29 July 10:44	29 July	ISS-72P
Progress MS-12	442	31 July 201912:10:46	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	31 July 15:29	29 November 10:25	29 November14:19	ISS-73P
Progress MS-13	443	6 December 2019 09:34:11	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	9 December 10:35:11	8 July 2020 18:22:00	8 July22:05	ISS-74P
Progress MS-14	448	25 April 202001:51:41	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	25 April 05:12:00	27 April 202123:11:00	29 April00:42	ISS-75P
Progress MS-15	444	23 July 202014:26:22	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir	23 July 17:45:00	9 February 202105:21:00	9 February09:13	ISS-76P
Progress MS-16	445	15 February 202104:45:06	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Pirs nadir/Zvezda nadir	17 February06:27	26 July10:55 (with Pirs)	26 July14:51 (with Pirs)	ISS-77PRemoved Pirs module from ISS
Progress MS-17	446	30 June 202123:27:20	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	2 July00:59	20 October23:42	25 November14:34 (with docking adapter)	ISS-78PRemoved Nauka module nadir port passive docking adapter from ISS
					Nauka nadir	22 October04:21	25 November11:22 (with docking adapter)
Progress MS-18	447	28 October 202100:00:32	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	30 October01:31:00	1 June 202208:03	1 June11:51	ISS-79PDelivered LCCS part of MLM Means of Attachment of Large payloads to ISS[14][15]
Progress MS-19	449[16]	15 February 202204:25:40	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	17 February07:03:20	23 October22:45:34	24 October01:51	ISS-80P
Progress MS-20	450	3 June 202209:03	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	3 June13:02	7 February 202305:01	7 February08:37	ISS-81P
Progress MS-21	451	26 October 202200:20	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	28 October02:49	18 February 202302:26	19 February03:15	ISS-82P
Progress MS-22	452	9 February 202306:15	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	11 February08:45	20 August23:50	21 August02:58	ISS-83P
Progress MS-23	453	24 May 202312:56	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	24 May16:19	29 November07:55	29 November11:02	ISS-84P
Progress MS-24	454	23 August 202301:08	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	25 August03:50	13 February 202402:09	13 February05:16	ISS-85P
Progress MS-25	455	1 December 202309:25	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	3 December11:18	28 May 202408:39	29 May11:48	ISS-86P
Progress MS-26	456	15 February 202403:25	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	17 February06:06	13 August02:00	13 August05:49	ISS-87P
Progress MS-27	457	30 May 202409:43	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	1 June11:43	19 November12:53	19 November16:51	ISS-88P
Progress MS-28	458	15 August 202403:20:17	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	17 August05:53	25 February 202520:17:33	25 February23:23	ISS-89P
Progress MS-29	459	21 November 202412:22:23	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	23 November14:31	1 July 202518:43	1 July 22:30	ISS-90P
Progress MS-30	460	27 February 202521:24:27	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Zvezda aft	1 March23:02:30	9 September15:45:30	9 September19:59	ISS-91P
Progress MS-31	461	3 July 202519:32:40	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6	Poisk zenith	5 July 202521:25	December 2025 (planned)		ISS-92P
Progress MS-32	462	11 September 2025 (planned)	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6					ISS-93P
Progress MS-33	462	19 December 2025 (planned)	Soyuz-2.1a	Site 31/6					ISS-94P

Notes

1. Progress MS-14 remained docked more than one year

References

1. "Progress cargo ship". www.russianspaceweb.com. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
2. Zak, Anatoly. "Progress-MS cargo ship". RussianSpaceWeb.com. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
3. "Upgraded Progress Transport Cargo Spacecraft Getting Ready for Launch". Yuzhny Space Center. 10 August 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
4. Blau, Patrick. "Progress MS Spacecraft". Spaceflight101.com. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
5. Krebs, Gunter (1 December 2015). "Progress-MS 01-19". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
6. Zak, Anatoly (8 July 2016). "The Kurs-NA docking system for Soyuz MS". RussianSpaceWeb.com. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
7. Harding, Pete (28 July 2012). "Progress M-15M re-docks to ISS following resolution of Kurs-NA failure". NASASpaceFlight. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
8. Zak, Anatoly (7 July 2016). "The EKTS communications system for Soyuz MS spacecraft". RussianSpaceWeb.com. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
9. Krasilnikov, A. (2015). Новая модификация "Союза" полетит через год [A new version of the Soyuz to flight this year] (in Russian). Novosti Kosmonavtiki. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
10. Zak, Anatoly (3 July 2016). "Soyuz rocket flies critical test mission with Progress-MS". RussianSpaceWeb.com. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
11. Zak, Anatoly (17 July 2016). "Progress MS-03 heads to the ISS". Russian Space web. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
12. Clark, Stephen (16 July 2016). "Progress supply ship heads for International Space Station". Retrieved 18 July 2016.
13. "Progress MS-09 mission to ISS". Retrieved 10 July 2018.
14. "Schedule of ISS flight events (part 2)". forum.nasaspaceflight.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
15. "Год "Науки" на МКС" [Year of "Science" on the ISS] (in Russian). Roscosmos. 29 July 2022. Archived from the original on 21 August 2022.
16. "Progress-MS 01 - 19". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 9 November 2021.

External links

• The Progress MS spacecraft (RussianSpaceWeb.com)