Progress MS

The Progress MS is the newest version of the Russian Progress spacecraft series, and it was first launched in 2015. The letters "MS" stand for "modernized systems," meaning the spacecraft has better communication and navigation equipment. Even though it looks very similar to earlier Progress spacecraft, it has important upgrades inside.

This spacecraft is used by Roscosmos for carrying supplies and equipment to space. Its first mission, called Progress MS-01, flew on December 21, 2015, and it traveled to the International Space Station. The Progress MS helps keep the space station stocked with the things astronauts need to live and work in space.

Design

The Progress MS spacecraft has three main parts. The first part carries supplies like food, tools, and science gear for the crew. The second part holds important liquids such as fuel, water, and air. The third part has tools for controlling the spacecraft and keeping its orbit steady.

Unlike the Soyuz spacecraft, Progress MS does not need life support, heat shields, parachutes, or escape systems. This makes it lighter and lets it carry more supplies. When its job is done, the Progress MS leaves the space station, burns up, and disappears as it comes back through Earth's atmosphere.

Specifications

The Progress MS spacecraft can carry up to 7,440 kilograms when it launches. It can hold things like cargo, fuel, water, and gases. For example, it can carry up to 1,800 kilograms of cargo, 1,700 kilograms of fuel, and 420 kilograms of water. The spacecraft is about 2.7 meters wide and has solar arrays that stretch out to 10.7 meters. It also has engines that can produce a thrust of 2,942 newtons.

Progress MS improvements

The Progress MS has some important upgrades compared to older models. One key change is the Kurs-NA system. This is an automatic docking tool made in Russia. It is lighter, uses less power, and is easier to use than the old system.

Other improvements include a new communication system that uses Russia's Luch network, extra protection against tiny space particles, a better docking tool, a digital camera system for clearer images, and a special area to launch small satellites called CubeSats. These changes help make the Progress MS more reliable and useful for space missions.

List of flights

This list includes only finished or planned missions. The dates are shown in UTC. For future events, the dates are the earliest possible times and may change.