LIVE: Progress M-64 launch and docking - May 14/16

LIVE: Progress M-64 launch and docking - May 14/16 by anik on 25 Mar, 2008 14:28
http://kz-today.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153443275

Progress M-64 has been delivered to Baikonur cosmodrome today. Soyuz-U rocket for the launch of this cargo ship has arrived there on February 22nd. The launch is scheduled for May 14th.
#1 by anik on 04 Apr, 2008 13:46
http://kz-today.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153444278

The preparation of Progress M-64 to the launch has begun. Autonomous tests of systems of the cargo ship are performing this week. The preparation of Soyuz-U rocket has also begun.
#2 by anik on 16 Apr, 2008 18:21
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3223
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3230

Blocks of the first stage have been attached to the second stage of Soyuz-U rocket yesterday.

Complex tests of systems of Progress M-64 were successfully finished. Today the cargo ship has been transported to the anechoic chamber for the testing of radio systems.
#3 by Suzy on 17 Apr, 2008 03:32
Is this the Progress that will have digital flight controls?
#4 by pm1823 on 17 Apr, 2008 13:55
No, that one
August 12 – Progress M-01M (No. 401) – Soyuz-U – Baikonur
#5 by Jester on 17 Apr, 2008 14:01
Quote
anik - 16/4/2008 8:21 PM

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3223
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3230

Blocks of the first stage have been attached to the second stage of Soyuz-U rocket yesterday.

Complex tests of systems of Progress M-64 were successfully finished. Today the cargo ship has been transported to the anechoic chamber for the testing of radio systems.

Yup, I'll see if I can snap some shots and post them, its busy in lane 2 in MIK 112
paka
#6 by anik on 17 Apr, 2008 15:58
Quote
Suzy - 17/4/2008 7:32 AM

Is this the Progress that will have digital flight controls?

"Digital flight controls". What did you mean? If you meaned onboard computer, then all Progress M/M1 cargo ships already had onboard computers before that. If you meaned telemetry system, then Progress M-01M will have new digital telemetry system, instead of old analog telemetry system as on Progress M/M1 cargo ships.
#7 by Satori on 17 Apr, 2008 17:14
Quote
Jester - 17/4/2008 9:01 AM

Quote
anik - 16/4/2008 8:21 PM

http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3223
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3230

Blocks of the first stage have been attached to the second stage of Soyuz-U rocket yesterday.

Complex tests of systems of Progress M-64 were successfully finished. Today the cargo ship has been transported to the anechoic chamber for the testing of radio systems.

Yup, I'll see if I can snap some shots and post them, its busy in lane 2 in MIK 112
paka

Some images from inside the MIK-112 on April 7th. Many high resolution photos taken inside the MIK-112 will be available on L2!
#8 by anik on 17 Apr, 2008 17:27
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3237

Tests of radio systems of the cargo ship were successfully performed in the anechoic chamber yesterday. Today Progress M-64 has been transported into vacuum chamber for the leak integrity, which will begin tomorrow.
#9 by Danderman on 01 May, 2008 04:16
It occurred to me that, since ATV remains docked to ISS and holds beaucoup propellant, there isn't a reason for Progress M-64 to carry much propellant cargo at all. So, will this Progress hold the record for the least propellant carried by a Progress, and if so, what is the prospect that extra dry cargo will be carried?
#10 by hop on 01 May, 2008 22:25
Quote
Danderman - 30/4/2008 9:16 PM

It occurred to me that, since ATV remains docked to ISS and holds beaucoup propellant, there isn't a reason for Progress M-64 to carry much propellant cargo at all.
OTOH, there is probably plenty of room in the RS tanks, so they might just save it for a rainy day. The ISS status reports used to list these quantities, but they don't seem to any more.
#11 by catfry on 02 May, 2008 14:26
But Danderman is probably talking about ATV's own fuel, which is not possible to transfer to the RS. Total fuel amount that ATV actually have left after docking is not really disclosed anywhere online that I know of, but pre launch numbers suggested it would have 2 300 kg available.
Elsewhere erioladastra mentioned that fuel consumption had been lower than anticipated and that Jules Vernes' stay time with ISS was consequently stretched as a direct result of the extra fuel available.
#12 by catfry on 02 May, 2008 17:33
I just realised you perhaps meant that the Progress could pump fuel to the RS, my mistake if that was the case.
#13 by The-Hammer on 02 May, 2008 17:39
Can a Progress refuel the FGB/SM tanks from FGB Nadir?

I thought that was only possible from Pirs and SM Aft.
#14 by Danderman on 02 May, 2008 23:39
Quote
catfry - 2/5/2008 7:26 AM But Danderman is probably talking about ATV's own fuel, which is not possible to transfer to the RS. Total fuel amount that ATV actually have left after docking is not really disclosed anywhere online that I know of, but pre launch numbers suggested it would have 2 300 kg available. Elsewhere erioladastra mentioned that fuel consumption had been lower than anticipated and that Jules Vernes' stay time with ISS was consequently stretched as a direct result of the extra fuel available.
In addition to the quantity mentioned above, ATV also holds about 880 kg of Russian propellant, which will transferred into the Service Module.
#15 by Danderman on 02 May, 2008 23:39
Quote
The-Hammer - 2/5/2008 10:39 AM Can a Progress refuel the FGB/SM tanks from FGB Nadir? I thought that was only possible from Pirs and SM Aft.
It can, and such transfers have happened.
#16 by anik on 05 May, 2008 14:42
http://kz-today.kz/index.php?lang=rus&uin=1138536794&chapter=1153447062

Tanks of Progress M-64 cargo ship have been fuelled by propellants and compressed gases today.
#17 by anik on 07 May, 2008 15:31
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3346

Today Progress M-64 cargo ship was installed onto the transfer compartment of rocket, and the complex tests of Soyuz rocket have been performed.
#18 by jacqmans on 07 May, 2008 16:35
MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-090

NASA TV TO AIR SPACE STATION CARGO SHIP ARRIVAL

HOUSTON -- The residents of the International Space Station will
receive a new shipment of food, fuel and supplies next week, and NASA
Television will broadcast its arrival live.

Expedition 17 Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineers Oleg
Kononenko and Garrett Reisman will be standing by as the unpiloted
ISS Progress 29 resupply craft automatically docks to the
Earth-facing port on the Zarya module at 4:37 p.m. CDT, Friday, May
16. NASA TV coverage of the new Progress' arrival will begin at 4
p.m. with commentary and available downlink television.

The cargo ship is carrying more than two tons of supplies for the
three crew members. It will be launched at 3:22 p.m. Wednesday, May
14, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA TV will not
broadcast the launch.

For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the space station and the Expedition 17
crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
#19 by anik on 08 May, 2008 08:50
http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3349

Assembly of the ascent unit has been performed today - the fairing was rolled onto the cargo ship.
#20 by anik on 08 May, 2008 09:42
The brief list (in Russian) of cargoes of Progress M-64 cargo ship has been published on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3350

My short translation:
Progress M-64 mass at launch - 7056 kg
Fuel in tanks of the Integrated Propulsion System (KDU) - 880 kg
Fuel in tanks of the Refueling System (SD) - 350 kg
Gases in balloons of the Oxygen Transfer Equipment (SrPK) - 50 kg
(oxygen - 29 kg, air - 21 kg)
Potable water in tanks of Rodnik system - 420 kg
Equipment in the Cargo Compartment (GrO) - 1292 kg
(for example, new Sokol KV-2 spacesuit for Sergey Volkov and the target for MRM-2 docking)
#21 by catfry on 08 May, 2008 12:23
Thank you anik! Can you say anything about how much fuel the Progress needs for it's mission and how much of the 880 kg could be used for reboost?
#22 by eeergo on 08 May, 2008 12:43
This Progress is also bringing Freon to resupply the coolant loops in the Russian air conditioner, following last month's leak.

"Condensate Processing Update: With the SKV-2 air conditioner currently off due to lack of sufficient Freon-218 (to be resupplied by Progress 29P) and SKV-1 out of service for a long time, the air conditioner’s condensate evacuation pumps (NOK) were put into service to support the necessary condensate processing. The setup was tested yesterday, and preliminary indications were that the NOKs operated nominally. The pumps were powered off during crew sleep and were reactivated this morning."
#23 by anik on 08 May, 2008 15:10
Quote
catfry - 8/5/2008 4:23 PM

Can you say anything about how much fuel the Progress needs for it's mission and how much of the 880 kg could be used for reboost?

It is difficult question, because the quantity of fuel, which needs for Progress flight, depends on many factors.

Approximately 270 - 370 kg needs for autonomous flight till docking. Quantity of fuel mainly depends on used scheme of rendezvous with ISS and number of maneuvers.

Approximately 150 - 260 kg needs for autonomous flight after undocking and for the deorbit burn. Quantity of fuel mainly depends on the deorbit mass of cargo ship and altitude of its flight.

Up to approximately 250 kg can be used for the performing of reboosts of ISS orbit. Quantity of fuel mainly depends on result (success/failure) of the first attempt of docking.
#24 by Danderman on 08 May, 2008 15:37
The "bookmark" amount of propellant available from the 880 kg in the service compartment is 250 kg, but your mileage may vary. What is interesting here are two things:

a) Launch mass is barely over 7 tons. This is the lowest mass Progress that I can recall in a very long time. There may be an unusual reason for such a low launch mass, and it may be connected to the fact that ATV has been successfully docked with ISS.

b) Although at the moment, propellant is not really needed aboard ISS, this Progress, despite the low launch mass, is still carrying over 300 kg. I can think of only two reasons for this, both speculative:

1) This represents the amount of propellant required for the small mid thrusters to dock with ISS in the event that the service compartment engines all fail, or

2) to carry a mass even as low as 1200 kg of dry cargo in the "front" of Progress requires 300 kg of mass carried in the mid section to preserve the c/g.

I don't know if either of these is the correct reason, however.
#25 by anik on 08 May, 2008 16:40
Further the ascent unit will be transported for the assembly with stages of Soyuz-U rocket. Soyuz-U rocket with the cargo ship will be rolled out to the launch pad no. 5 of the area no. 1 of Baikonur cosmodrome on May 12th.

Images (below) of Progress M-64 preparation to the launch are from RSC Energia website.
#26 by catfry on 08 May, 2008 16:47
Thank you to both anik and Danderman.

Quote
Jorge - 30/12/2007 2:35 AM

Zarya fuel 1867.3 ox 3365.0 total 5232.3
Zvezda fuel 297.0 ox 572.0 total 869.0
Total fuel 2164.3 ox 3937.0 total 6101.3
According to this very respected poster in the ISS Q&A, at the time of the post the RS was very loaded with fuel, if my info about 6 100 kg capacity in Zarya and 860 kg in Zvezda is correct.
Since then I don't think reboosts has been performed by russian segment but attitude control has been done, so not much fuel usage.
Since then one Progress(?), one ATV(880 kg), and now again a Progress(350 kg).
Can Progress fly without reboost fuel or will Zvezda have to perform reboost in order to prevent the next vehicle undocking with fuel still in its refuel tanks?
#27 by anik on 08 May, 2008 16:59
Quote
catfry - 8/5/2008 8:47 PM

Since then I don't think reboosts has been performed by russian segment

Since December 30th, 2007 two reboosts have been carried out on January 12th and February 28th with the using of Zvezda's engines.
#28 by catfry on 08 May, 2008 17:31
Oops, sorry for bad info then. Good that you are here anik!
#29 by jacqmans on 12 May, 2008 09:51
May 10, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia.

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Progress M-64 cargo vehicle under the International Space Station program.
Orbital module of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, containing Progress M-64 spacecraft was transported from the spacecraft processing facility for the general integration with LV.

Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss17/progress-m-64/photo_05-10.html
#30 by jacqmans on 12 May, 2008 09:52
May 11, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia.

At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Progress M-64 cargo vehicle under the International Space Station program.
Orbital module of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, containing Progress M-64 spacecraft was integrated with the Soyuz-U launch vehicle in the processing facility.

Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss17/progress-m-64/photo_05-11.html

Technical management meeting and Government Commission meeting were convened. A decision is made to roll out Soyuz-U launch vehicle with Progress M-64 transport vehicle to the launch pad.

Photo-report:
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss17/progress-m-64/photo_05-11_1.html
#31 by jacqmans on 12 May, 2008 09:55
12.05.2008 space rocket to "Soyuz" with the transport cargo ship "progress M-64" are exported to the launching pad

http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3365 (with photos from Roll Out)

Segodnya in the morning at the spaceport Baikonur is realized removal to the missile takeoff of the space application to "Soyuz" (developer producer "QSKB- progress") with the transport cargo ship "progress M-64" (developer producer RKK "energy" im. S.P.Koroleva). Rocket is established into the launcher ? of 5 areas ? of 1 spaceports.
The solution about the removal RKN to the launching pad was accepted yesterday, on 11 May, in the course of the session of technical direction and state commission, which was taking place herself on the area ? of 254 spaceports.

After the completion of operations on the removal of space rocket to the launching system the calculations of the enterprises Of roskosmosa continued schedule work of the first starting day it is conducted preparation for the general tests RKN, whose beginning is planned to 15:00 Moscow time.

Launching RKN "Soyuz-"Progress M-64 "is planned to 00:22 Moscow time on 15 May of this year.
#32 by anik on 13 May, 2008 14:03
The planned launch time is 20:22:56 UTC tomorrow.
#33 by on 14 May, 2008 03:38
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss17/progress-m-64/photo_05-12.html (Rollout Images)

May 12, 2008. Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Soyuz launch vehicle was rolled out from the integration building to the launch pad. Soyuz-U launch vehicle with Progress M-64 transport vehicle is installed on the launch pad. L-2 days activities have been started.
#34 by SiberianTiger on 14 May, 2008 14:39
Will there be any video report of the launch?
#35 by eeergo on 14 May, 2008 14:53
Quote
SiberianTiger - 14/5/2008 3:39 PM Will there be any video report of the launch?
I wouldn't expect any given it's a Progress launch and they never get any coverage (I keep asking myself why), but seeing RussiaToday seems to have taken over space program reporting, and they seem to be covering it quite thoroughly, perhaps this time it will be different...
Anyone knows something more?
#36 by Chris Bergin on 14 May, 2008 15:32
With Progress launches, first we usually hear is via Anik, or someone from the NK forum.
#37 by TJL on 14 May, 2008 20:04
Just wondering, do Progress and manned Soyuz use the same launch complex?
#38 by anik on 14 May, 2008 20:13
Quote
TJL - 14/5/2008 12:04 AM

Just wondering, do Progress and manned Soyuz use the same launch complex?

Yes, for now. But they will use two launch complexes simultaneously since 2009.
#39 by anik on 14 May, 2008 20:33
The liftoff has occured on-time. The cargo ship is on orbit.
#40 by Chris Bergin on 14 May, 2008 20:37
Quote
anik - 14/5/2008 9:33 PM

The liftoff has occured on-time. The cargo ship is on orbit.

Very good
#41 by eeergo on 14 May, 2008 20:56
Nice, two days to docking then... guess RT isn't yet willing to offer Progress launches too
#42 by Satori on 14 May, 2008 21:55
Quote
Chris Bergin - 14/5/2008 3:37 PM

Quote
anik - 14/5/2008 9:33 PM

The liftoff has occured on-time. The cargo ship is on orbit.

Very good

Exact launch time?
#43 by on 15 May, 2008 00:43
http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=181407&cid=1
#44 by on 15 May, 2008 00:56
http://www.itar-tass.com/level2.html?NewsID=12679554&PageNum=0
#45 by anik on 15 May, 2008 04:15
Quote
Satori - 15/5/2008 1:55 AM

Exact launch time?

20:22:56.216 UTC
#46 by Suzy on 15 May, 2008 06:31
Quote
anik - 8/5/2008 7:42 PM The brief list (in Russian) of cargoes of Progress M-64 cargo ship has been published on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=3350 My short translation: ... Equipment in the Cargo Compartment (GrO) - 1292 kg (for example, new Sokol KV-2 spacesuit for Sergey Volkov ...
Wonder why Sergei is getting a new Sokol - they are not usually replaced during a mission?
#47 by DmitryP on 15 May, 2008 07:17
Quote
Suzy - 15/5/2008 10:31 AM
Wonder why Sergei is getting a new Sokol - they are not usually replaced during a mission?

There were reports that zipper at his current suit was damaged (4 teeths misalligned) so the replacement was required.
#48 by Suzy on 15 May, 2008 08:06
Quote
There were reports that zipper at his current suit was damaged (4 teeths misalligned) so the replacement was required.
Thanks!
What was the serial number for the Soyuz-U launching M-64 (and the rocket for M-63)? (M-62 was number 109.)
#49 by Nicolas PILLET on 15 May, 2008 09:22
Quote
anik - 8/5/2008 11:42 AM

Progress M-64 mass at launch - 7056 kg

It is less tha usual (about 7 250 kg)... Do you know why ?
#50 by anik on 15 May, 2008 14:09
Quote
Suzy - 15/5/2008 12:06 PM

What was the serial number for the Soyuz-U launching M-64 (and the rocket for M-63)?

Possibly no. 110 or no. 114 for Progress M-64, according to L2 section of this forum.

As for Progress M-63, I have already answered to this question in the thread dedicated to its launch.

Quote
Nicolas PILLET - 15/5/2008 1:22 PM

It is less than usual (about 7 250 kg)... Do you know why?

I suppose due to low quantity of fuel (350 kg) in tanks of the Refueling System (SD).
#51 by on 15 May, 2008 19:08
http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss17/progress-m-64/photo_05-15.html

ENERGIA PRESS RELEASE

May 15, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

According to the flight program and Russian Party commitments under the International Space Station Project (ISS), Progress M-64 transport cargo vehicle was launched from Baikonur launch site at 00:22:56 Moscow time.
The launch is aimed at delivering more than 2.3 tons of various cargo items to the ISS, which are required to continue station manned operation and support crew living and working conditions for the crew. Oxygen, water and food supplies, propellant, spacesuit Sokol KV-2, consumables, scientific hardware and equipment were flown from the earth to orbit.
The vehicle was injected into a reference near-earth orbit with the following parameters: inclination of 51.65°, minimum altitude of 193.9 km, maximum altitude of 245.9 km, revolution of 88.57 min.
The vehicle onboard systems operate as designed.
The vehicle processing and launch were conducted under direction of the State Commission (chaired by A.N. Perminov, Director of Roscosmos). The Commission made decisions on implementing the processing and launch stages based on conclusions of the Technical Management led by V.A. Lopota, President of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia, General Designer.
According to the telemetry information and reports of the ISS Increment 17 crew, the station onboard systems operate as designed. The station is ready for vehicle docking.
The vehicle docking is planned on May 17, 2008 at 01:37:30 Moscow time.

For reference:
1. The crew consisting of Sergey Volkov (test cosmonaut, Yu.A. Gagarin CTC RGNII, crew commander), Oleg Kononenko (test cosmonaut, S.P. Korolev RSC Energia, flight engineer 1) and Garrett Reisman (NASA astronaut, flight engineer 2) work onboard the ISS.
2. S.P. Korolev RSC Energia is a leading Russian rocket and space industrial enterprise in the area of manned space flight programs, responsible for development, integration and operation of the ISS Russian Segment, including development and operation of the main Russian modules (Zvezda, Pirs and others), manufacturing, launch and operation of Soyuz TMA, Progress M vehicles.
3. Progress M-64 is the 29th Russian cargo vehicle, which was launched to the ISS within this project.
4. Planned plant tests of Progress M-65 and the first modified Progress vehicle are currently conducted at S.P. Korolev RSC Energia. These vehicles are to be launched to the ISS this year.
#52 by Lawntonlookirs on 15 May, 2008 19:22
Thanks for the update. Was wondering how things were going.
#53 by Satori on 15 May, 2008 23:48
Quote
anik - 14/5/2008 11:15 PM

Quote
Satori - 15/5/2008 1:55 AM

Exact launch time?

20:22:56.216 UTC

Thanks Andrey!
#54 by Chris Bergin on 16 May, 2008 15:07
We'll use this thread for docking coverage.
#55 by catfry on 16 May, 2008 16:00
Quote
Nicolas PILLET - 14/5/2008 11:22 AM

Quote
anik - 8/5/2008 11:42 AM

Progress M-64 mass at launch - 7056 kg

It is less tha usual (about 7 250 kg)... Do you know why ?

Possibly due to ATV. RS fuel tanks may be close to full. ATV has plenty of fuel for reboost. The Progress may be maxed out on dry cargo volume?
#56 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:08
Docking coverage coming up:
#57 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:08
#58 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:09
Looking from the Progress to the ISS:
#59 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:10
KURS is working nominally, but the crew (as per normal) are standing by just in case they have to take manual control should a failure happen.

1.8KM separating the Progress and the Zarya module. A little under 30 minutes until docking.
#60 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:13
First live shots of the Progress 29:
#61 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:14
Everything going nominally aboard the ISS, awaiting docking. A flyaround will be initiated in a few minutes.
#62 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:15
All system checks of the Progress have been flawless. 590 meters away from the ISS.
#63 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:18
All of the backup docking systems, if KURS should fail, have been tested and all passed.

Progress 29 has begun its automated flyaround.
#64 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:18
330 meters away:
#65 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:20
250 Meters. Radial rate is .5 Meters per second.
#66 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:21
Closing rate is 3/10 of a meter per second. Around 230 meters away.
#67 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:23
Flyaround completed. Progress 29 into the roll program to align itself with the docking port and to align its Solar Array Wings.
#68 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:24
Docking just 15 minutes away, could be sooner, if all systems are ready for it.
#69 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:27
Progress 29 now in its Station Keeping mode. About to pass into Orbital Night.
#70 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:30
Still in Station Keeping mode.
#71 by cookiejar500 on 16 May, 2008 21:30
The picture from Progress is much clearer this time!
#72 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:31
Final Approach has been re-initiated.
#73 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:32
#74 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:33
About 80 meters away:
#75 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:35
KURS Antenna has been retracted.
#76 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:36
Sunset:
#77 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:37
Approach is nominal.
#78 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:39
Closing in. About 10 meters away.
#79 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:40
Contact and capture! ISS in Free Drift.
#80 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:43
Working on deactivating the backup docking system, and deactivating other systems not needed. The solar arrays aboard the ISS will soon be commanded to track the sun again.
#81 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:46
Hatch opening is scheduled in a little under 1 hour and 45 minutes.
#82 by Ford Mustang on 16 May, 2008 21:51
Confirmation of a hard mate of the Progress 29 vehicle. Congratulations!

Coverage has ended.
#83 by John44 on 17 May, 2008 05:36
Expedition 17 - Progress 29 Docking
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3662&Itemid=2
#84 by Nicolas PILLET on 17 May, 2008 10:50
TsUP has published a list of the cargo : http://www.mcc.rsa.ru/progress_m64.htm

Roskosmos said that there were 880 kg of ergols for station, but TsUP says that there are only 250 kg...
#85 by anik on 17 May, 2008 11:26
Quote
Nicolas PILLET - 17/5/2008 2:50 PM

Roskosmos said that there were 880 kg of ergols for station, but TsUP says that there are only 250 kg

Tanks of the Integrated Propulsion System (KDU) has 880 kg of fuel at launch for maneuvers during autonomous flight and docking, and for deorbit burn. If docking occurs according to plan, then 250 kg of this fuel can be used for reboosts of ISS orbit.