Soyuz-2.1a - Progress MS-18 (№447) - 28 October 2021 (00:00 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-posts; my bold:

https://twitter.com/anik1982space/status/1220438062100107266
Google translate:

4. In March [2021], the Progress MS-17 cargo ship docked to the Nauka module, the Progress MS-18 module in August to the Zvezda module, and the Progress MS-19 module in November to the Search module. 5. The manned spacecraft Soyuz MS-17 reloads in April from the Dawn module to the Search.

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/2021.html#progress_ms18

August 18 [2021]: A Soyuz rocket to launch a Progress MS-18 cargo ship (Production No. 447, ISS mission 79P) from Baikonur to the International Space Station, ISS. During the early planning of the ISS flight manifest in 2014, the second Russian cargo mission of 2021 was planned for April 16, 2021, however in the provisional schedule prepared by Roskosmos at the end of August 2020, the launch of Progress MS-18 was planned for August 18.

At the time, the vehicle was expected to dock to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module, SM, and remain in orbit for 334 days, supporting 65th and 66th long-duration expeditions aboard the ISS.

https://ria.ru/20201130/zapusk-1586887299.html

Progress MS-16 launch planned for February 15
Progress MS-17 launch planned for June 30
Progress MS-18 launch planned for October 28

No information is given on what docking ports the ships will use nor when they will depart.

Apparently, this is also when the undocking date changed to May 31, 2022.

https://tass.com/science/1274903

MOSCOW, April 7. /TASS/. This year, Russia plans to hold two Soyuz-MS flights to the International Space Station (ISS) under the three-hour scheme, the head of the ballistics department of the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, Rafail Murtazin, has told TASS.

"This year [2021] , we will try to carry out two Soyuz flights under the two-orbit flight scheme, and use the two-day scheme for space freighters," he said.
<snip>

It will be interesting to see when the next spacecraft docks to Zvezda aft.

For now Progress MS-18 on October 30th.

Two Soyuz-2 missiles delivered to Baikonur
08/18/2021 10:25

At the Baikonur cosmodrome from the Samara Rocket and Space Center "Progress" (part of the State Corporation "Roscosmos"), a train arrived with blocks of carrier rockets "Soyuz-2.1a" and "Soyuz-2.1b" for launching Progress MS-18 spacecraft "And" Progress M-UM "with the" Prichal "nodal module under the program of the Russian segment of the International Space Station.
<snip>
https://www.roscosmos.ru/32225/

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32395/

09/01/2021 16:00

"Progress MS-18" was reactivated at Baikonur

In the assembly and testing building of the site No. 254 of the Baikonur cosmodrome, work has been completed on the de-mothballing of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle, which was in storage mode after being delivered to the technical complex.

After the spacecraft was installed at the workplace, specialists from the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia and the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground Space Infrastructure Facilities, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) conducted an external inspection and control of the initial state of onboard systems, performed operations on preparation of the product and ground equipment for the upcoming electrical tests.

Tomorrow, September 2, 2021, in accordance with the work schedule, scheduled tests and preparation of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft for launch under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station will begin. The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

Are there any pictures of the spacecraft yet?

[Rondaz]

Active preparation of several transport ships at Baikonur

09/08/2021 11:00

The final stage of testing of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle, which has remained in storage at the technical complex since August 2020, has begun in the assembly and test building of site No. 254 of the Baikonur cosmodrome. It became the third spacecraft developed and manufactured by the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia undergoing prelaunch training together with the Soyuz MS-19 manned spacecraft and the Prichal nodal module as part of the Progress M-UM spacecraft-module.

After installation at the workplace and de-mothballing of the ship, the company's specialists conducted an external inspection and control of the initial state of the on-board systems, performed operations to prepare the product and ground equipment for the upcoming tests. Then, in accordance with the schedule, the refueling and thermoregulation systems were checked for tightness.

The work plan for the next week provides for a cycle of electrical tests of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft, including checking the functioning of the equipment of the on-board computer and information-telemetric systems, the unified command-telemetry and television systems, as well as testing the automation of the power supply system, switching blocks of the on-board computer and dynamic modes motion control and navigation systems.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

At the same time, at site No. 254, the autonomous electrical tests of the Prichal nodal module of the Russian segment of the International Space Station continue, and in the vacuum chamber of Hall 103, pneumatic vacuum tests of the Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft, designed to deliver members of the 66th main expedition to the International Space Station, are being carried out. early October this year.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32483/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, preparations are underway to launch several spacecraft at once under the ISS program: https://roscosmos.ru/32483/

the final stage of testing the cargo # ProgressMS18 autonomous electrical tests of the module spacecraft # ProgressMUM pneumatic vacuum tests of the manned # SoyuzMS19

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1435521718911705092

[Steven Pietrobon]

From the press release. Soyuz on left and two Progress on the right.

"The assembly and test building of the site No. 254 of the Baikonur cosmodrome began the final stage of tests of the Progress MS-18 cargo transport spacecraft, which remained in storage mode at the technical complex since August 2020. It became the third spacecraft developed and manufactured by the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, undergoing pre-launch training together with the manned Spacecraft Soyuz MS-19 and the Prichaly node module as part of the Progress M-UM module spacecraft."

[Rondaz]

Progress MS-18 passed tests in an anechoic chamber

09/23/2021 16:17

Preflight preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle continues at the Baikonur cosmodrome. Today, September 23, 2021, in accordance with the work schedule, the cycle of autonomous tests of the ship in the anechoic chamber of the assembly and testing building of site No. 254 has been completed.

During the day, specialists of the enterprises of the State Corporation "Roscosmos": Rocket and Space Corporation "Energia" named after S.P. Koroleva and the Yuzhny Space Center performed operations to check the functioning of the Kurs-NA radio equipment, which ensures the rendezvous and docking of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft with the International Space Station.

The anechoic chamber is a specialized room covered with radio-absorbing material in order to simulate the conditions of outer space for ground testing of the performance of the on-board radio systems of the Progress MS and Soyuz MS transport vehicles. After the completion of the tests, the ship was installed in the dynamic stand of the assembly and test building to prepare for pneumatic vacuum tests.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle under the program of the 79th ISS supply mission is scheduled for October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32691/

[Rondaz]

The cargo ship # ProgressMS18 is being prepared for the October launch . Today its tests in an anechoic chamber have been completed. During the day, Roscosmos specialists performed operations to check the functioning of the Kurs-NA radio equipment for rendezvous and docking with the ISS.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1441030023591366656

[Rondaz]

Vacuum tests of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle began at Baikonur

09/28/2021 16:24

Preflight preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle continues at the Baikonur cosmodrome. Today, September 28, 2021, at the technical complex of site No. 254, the ship was transported to a vacuum chamber for tightness tests.

After the completion of technological operations to prepare the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle for pneumatic vacuum tests, the specialists of the S.P. Korolev (part of Roskosmos) and specialized enterprises of Roskosmos delivered the ship to the vacuum chamber 17T523MR of the assembly and test building. A six-day test cycle using helium-air medium in the tested volumes provides an objective control of the tightness of the product and its on-board systems under ground conditions.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle under the program of the 79th ISS supply mission is scheduled for October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32754/

[Rondaz]

And we will return from space to the Baikonur cosmodrome, where the preflight preparation of the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle continues . Today, at the technical complex of site No. 254, the ship was transported to a vacuum chamber for tightness tests.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1442844132712587265

[Alter Sachse]

Vacuum tests of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle began at Baikonur

09/28/2021 16:24

Preflight preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle continues at the Baikonur cosmodrome. Today, September 28, 2021, at the technical complex of site No. 254, the ship was transported to a vacuum chamber for tightness tests.

After the completion of technological operations to prepare the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle for pneumatic vacuum tests, the specialists of the S.P. Korolev (part of Roskosmos) and specialized enterprises of Roskosmos delivered the ship to the vacuum chamber 17T523MR of the assembly and test building. A six-day test cycle using helium-air medium in the tested volumes provides an objective control of the tightness of the product and its on-board systems under ground conditions.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle under the program of the 79th ISS supply mission is scheduled for October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32754/

[zubenelgenubi]

Vacuum tests of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle began at Baikonur

I presume:
Suspended: Progress MS-18.
Vertical: Soyuz MS-20 (farthest from camera), Progress MS-19, Progress MS-20.
(I don't know how to distinguish the identities of the two Progress spacecraft.)

[Rondaz]

"Progress MS-18" has passed vacuum tests

10/04/2021 12:00

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, tightness tests of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle in the vacuum chamber of the assembly and testing building of site No. 254 have been completed.

In accordance with the work schedule, the specialists of the S.P. Korolev and the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities, both enterprises are part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) performed a cycle of pneumatic vacuum tests of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft, which lasted from September 28, 2021.

The automated control of the high requirements for the tightness of the compartments and on-board systems of the ship in ground conditions passed without comment. Today the Progress MS-18 spacecraft was transported back to the technical complex and installed in the dynamic stand for further pre-flight preparation.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32833/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, tightness tests of the # ProgressMS18 cargo ship in a vacuum chamber have been completed. Today the "truck" was transported back to the technical complex and installed in the dynamic stand for further pre-flight preparation. Launch - at the end of October.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1444953371266404356

[Rondaz]

The launch of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28

10/08/2021 00:10

The launch of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle to the International Space Station (ISS) is planned for the night of October 28, a spokesman for the press service of Roscosmos told RIA Novosti.

"The launch of Progress MS-18 by the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket from the Baikonur cosmodrome is scheduled for October 28 at 3.00 Moscow time," he said.

The spacecraft is expected to moor to the Zvezda module of the ISS Russian segment in two days.

In 2021, Russia performed five launches to the ISS - four spacecraft (two cargo Progress and two manned Soyuz) and the Nauka module.

By the end of the year, in addition to Progress MS-18, two more Russian launches to the ISS are planned: November 24 - Progress M-UM with the Prichal module, December 8 - Soyuz MS-20 with cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin and Japanese space tourists Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano.

Source: RIA Novosti
October 7, 2021, 03:28

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32865/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, a "package" of the launch vehicle was assembled for the launch of Progress MS-18

10/08/2021 11:21

In accordance with the comprehensive work schedule at the Baikonur cosmodrome under the program of launching the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle to the Russian segment of the International Space Station, the mechanical assembly of the "package" (1st and 2nd stages) of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle has been completed.

All operations were performed by specialists from subsidiaries of the Roscosmos State Corporation: the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities) and the Progress Rocket and Space Center. The assembly of the "package" was carried out in the assembly and testing building of site No. 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome. The next stage of technological measures is carrying out pneumatic tests of the side blocks of the launch vehicle.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28, 2021 from the Vostok launch complex of site No. 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32895/

[Rondaz]

20 days before the launch of the next "truck" to the International Space Station.

Mechanical assembly of the "package" (1st and 2nd stages) of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle has been completed at Baikonur, which is to launch the cargo vehicle # ProgressMS18 into orbit.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1446408565028184107

[Alter Sachse]

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32902/

[Rondaz]

Inspection of solar batteries of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle

10/08/2021 19:18

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, the final stage of pre-flight preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle continues. Today, October 8, 2021, in the assembly and testing building of site No. 254, a planned operation of the control illumination of the solar batteries of the ship's on-board power supply system took place.

During a ground check of the functioning of solar panels, specialists from the SP Korolev and the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) performed standard deployment of photocell sections and their irradiation with powerful lamps to control the efficiency of converting solar energy into electrical energy.

In addition, the testers checked the tightness of the Rodnik water supply system, carried out a regular disinfection of the cargo compartment of the spacecraft and started loading equipment and materials intended for delivery on board the International Space Station (ISS).

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32902/

[Rondaz]

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, the final stage of preflight preparation of the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle continues .

In the assembly and testing building of the site No. 254, a planned operation of the control illumination of the solar batteries of the on-board power supply system of the ship took place.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1446743734746431493

[Rondaz]

Launch complex "Vostok" is preparing to launch the cargo vehicle "Progress MS-18"

10/12/2021 11:46

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, preparations began on the Vostok launch complex of site No. 31 for the launch of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle. On the morning of September 11, on the construction of a joint calculation, the specialists of the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground Space Infrastructure Objects, part of the State Corporation Roscosmos) were tasked with preparing launch equipment and systems.

At the moment, in accordance with the operational work schedule, an external inspection of the columns and the service cabin, as well as the transport and installation unit, has been completed. The ground equipment for the preparation of the launch vehicle, spacecraft and telemetry measurement systems is being checked.

Technological measures are being implemented taking into account all the sanitary and epidemiological measures taken to prevent and limit the spread of a new coronavirus infection.

The launch of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28, 2021 from the Vostok launch complex of the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32936/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, preparations began for the Vostok launch complex for the launch of the cargo ship # ProgressMS18.

Specialists conducted an external inspection of the columns and the service cabin, as well as the transport and installation unit. Rocket preparation ground equipment undergoes checks.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1447880940223598593

[Rondaz]

Roscosmos decorated the Soyuz rocket under Khokhloma.

Roscosmos decorated the Soyuz rocket under Khokhloma in honor of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod.

12:57 10/12/2021

MOSCOW, October 12 - RIA Novosti. The Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle, which is to send the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle to the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of October , is decorated with Khokhloma in honor of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod , Roscosmos reported .

"In connection with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod in 2021, as well as within the framework of the agreement on cooperation between the Roscosmos state corporation and the government of the Nizhny Novgorod region, the symbols of the celebration of this event were applied to the launch vehicle," the message says.

The image of the painting under the Khokhloma was applied, judging by the photographs on the website of the state corporation, on the side blocks of the first stage and third stage. And on the second step there is a sticker with the inscription dedicated to the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod.

The launch of Progress MS-18 from the Baikonur cosmodrome is scheduled for October 28.

Khokhloma is a Russian style of painting on wood, when images of berries, flowers, branches, and sometimes birds, fish and animals are applied on a black lacquer background. The name of the style comes from the eponymous district of Nizhny Novgorod.

In 2020, Dmitry Rogozin , the general director of Roscosmos, proposed decorating rockets with Khokhloma and Gzhel to preserve the traditions of Russian folk craft, as well as the coats of arms of the cities of the Golden Ring in order to advertise domestic tourism.

https://ria.ru/20211012/roskosmos-1754181193.html

[Alter Sachse]

The rocket

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, several ships are being prepared at once.

Now, at # ProgressMS18 , final operations are being carried out before refueling, and its protective assembly is being prepared. At the same time, testing activations of the # ProgressMUM and # SoyuzMS20 spacecraft systems continue

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1448618770851934212

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, active preparation of several transport ships continues

10/14/2021 14:41

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, pre-flight preparation of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle, the Progress M-UM module spacecraft and the Soyuz MS-20 manned spacecraft continues.

At the moment, final operations are being carried out on the Progress MS-18 spacecraft before refueling, and its protective assembly is being prepared. At the same time, the test switching on of the Progress M-UM and Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft systems continues.

All technological operations are carried out by specialists from the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Objects), the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation named after S.P. Korolev and the Progress Rocket and Space Center (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) in the assembly and testing building of site No. 254.

All three transport ships are scheduled to launch in 2021. The closest of them will be the launch of the Progress MS-18 "space truck", scheduled for October 28, 2021 from the launch complex of site No. 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/32960/

[Rondaz]

The Progress MS-18 cargo ship is approved for refueling

10/15/2021 20:15

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, a meeting of technical management was held, following which a decision was made on the admission of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle manufactured by the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia named after S.P. Korolev (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) to refuel the tanks of the combined propulsion system and the spacecraft refueling system.

Before being transported to the filling station, the ship underwent control weighing and balancing in the assembly and testing building No. 254. Then, in accordance with the schedule, specialists from RSC Energia and specialized enterprises of Roscosmos will carry out work on refueling the Progress MS-18 spacecraft with fuel components and compressed gases. After the completion of refueling operations, the ship will return to site 254 to continue pre-flight preparations.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 spacecraft under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33006/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, a meeting of the technical management was held, following which a decision was made to admit the cargo ship # ProgressMS18 to refueling. Before being transported to a filling station, it was checked and balanced. Launch to the ISS at the end of October.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1449246186809044996

[Rondaz]

Pneumatic tests of the Soyuz-2 rocket for the launch of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft completed

10/18/2021 14:15

On Friday, October 15, 2021, in accordance with the comprehensive training schedule for the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle, pneumatic tests of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle were completed at the Baikonur cosmodrome. The tightness tests of all three stages lasted for four days in the erection and testing building of the technical complex of site No. 31.

The work was attended by specialists from the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities) and the Progress Rocket and Space Center (both are part of the Roscosmos State Corporation perimeter). The next stage of preparation is conducting autonomous tests of the onboard systems of the launch vehicle.

The launch of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28, 2021 from the Vostok launch complex of site No. 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33026/

[Rondaz]

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, pneumatic tests of the Soyuz-2.1a rocket, which are to launch the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle into orbit on October 28, have been completed . The tightness tests of the three stages lasted 4 days in the assembly and test building of the technical complex of the site No. 31

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1450096536222904322

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post; Progress MS-18 launch day of year/UTC 301:00:00:32

[Rondaz]

Refueling of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle has been completed

10/19/2021 14:03

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, the planned preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle for launch under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station continues.

Today, October 19, 2021, the specialists of the S.P. Korolev (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) and specialized enterprises of Roscosmos have completed operations to refuel the ship with propellants and compressed gases.

After returning from the refueling and neutralization station, the ship was installed in the dynamic stand of the assembly and testing building of site No. 254 to perform the final stage of preparation and placement of the delivered cargo and equipment.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33036/

[Alter Sachse]

[Rondaz]

Roscosmos specialists have completed refueling the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle with fuel and compressed gases. Then it was installed in a dynamic stand to perform the final stage of preparation and placement of the delivered goods and equipment. The launch is scheduled for October 28

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1450436519702016001

[Rondaz]

The Progress MS-18 cargo ship docked with the transfer compartment

10/20/2021 16:04

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, pre-flight preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle for launch under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station continues.

Today, on October 20, 2021, in the assembly and testing building of the site No. 254, specialists from the S.P. Korolev (part of the Roskosmos State Corporation) and the specialized enterprises of Roskosmos performed a set of technological operations for docking the Progress MS-18 spacecraft with the transition compartment of the third stage of the launch vehicle.

It is part of the space warhead, providing mechanical connection of the spacecraft with the nose fairing and the integration of the Progress MS-18 command interface into the onboard control system of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle. After the completion of the docking work, the check-ups of the onboard radio-technical complex and other service systems took place.

The day before, about 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials were stowed in the ship's cargo compartment, including resource equipment and tools for extravehicular activities, medical controls and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, standard food rations and fresh food for the crew members of the 66th main expeditions, as well as packing for space experiments "Matryoshka-R", "Biomag-M", "Aseptic", "Structure" and "Photobioreactor". In addition, 560 kg of refueling fuel, 420 liters of drinking water in the Rodnik system tanks and 43 kg of compressed air in cylinders of oxygen supply devices are to be delivered to the ISS.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33054/

[Rondaz]

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, operations were performed to dock the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle with the transition compartment of the third stage of the launch vehicle. The day before, about 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials were put into the cargo compartment of the ship.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1450816709900767245

[Alter Sachse]

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33054/

[Rondaz]

Preparation of the launch complex for the launch of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft continues

10/21/2021 15:58

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, preparations are underway for the Vostok launch complex of site No. 31 for the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle. The purpose of the flight is to deliver on board the station fuel, water and other cargoes necessary for the operation of the International Space Station in a manned mode.

In accordance with the operational work schedule, the specialists of the Yuzhny Space Center (a branch of the Center for Operation of Ground Space Infrastructure Objects, part of the State Corporation Roscosmos) perform checks on the functioning of launch systems and equipment. At the moment, regular training is being carried out at the service unit and at the remote control systems for refueling with propellant components.

Technological measures are being implemented taking into account all the necessary sanitary and epidemiological measures to prevent and limit the spread of a new coronavirus infection.

The launch of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28, 2021 from the Vostok launch complex of the Baikonur cosmodrome. On board - about 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials, including resource equipment and tools for extravehicular activities, medical controls and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, standard rations and fresh food for the crew of the 66th main expedition, and also packing for space experiments "Matryoshka-R", "Biomag-M", "Aseptic", "Structure" and "Photobioreactor".

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33069/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, preparations are underway for the Vostok launch complex for the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the ProgressMS18 spacecraft :https://roscosmos.ru/33069/

Specialists of the Yuzhny Space Center perform checks on the functioning of launch systems and equipment.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1451175677391163392

[Rondaz]

Removal of the Soyuz-2.1a LV from Progress MS-18 TGC will take place on October 25

10/22/2021 15:52

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, a meeting of the State Commission for flight tests of spacecraft launch vehicles was held on readiness for removal to the Vostok launch complex and work on preparation for launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle ".

Based on the results of the reports, the members of the State Commission decided to remove the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket from the assembly and test building and install it into the launch system on October 25, 2021. Tomorrow, October 23, in accordance with the pre-launch plan, its general assembly will take place.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28 from the Baikonur cosmodrome. On board about 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials, including resource equipment and tools for extravehicular activities, medical controls and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, standard rations and fresh food for the crew of the 66th main expedition, as well as packing for space experiments "Matryoshka-R", "Biomag-M", "Aseptic", "Structure" and "Photobioreactor".

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33091/

[Rondaz]

The state commission at the # Baikonur cosmodrome made a decision to remove the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket and install it at the launch site on the morning of October 25.

The launch of the cargo ship # ProgressMS18 is scheduled for October 28.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1451531968949198880

[Rondaz]

At the same time, an author's inspection of the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle was carried out and the fairing was rolled. After checking the launch readiness, the spacecraft as part of the space warhead will be allowed for transportation to the general assembly with the launch vehicle.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1451536467113746437

[Rondaz]

Author's inspection and knurling of the nose fairing of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft was carried out

10/22/2021 16:07

At the Baikonur cosmodrome, pre-flight preparation of the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle for launch under the program of the 79th supply mission of the International Space Station continues.

Today, October 22, 2021, in the assembly and testing building of site No. 254, specialists from the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia and specialized enterprises of Roscosmos conducted an author's inspection of the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle and performed a set of technological operations for rolling the head fairing. After checking the launch readiness, the spacecraft as part of the space warhead will be allowed for transportation to the general assembly with the launch vehicle in the assembly and test building of site No. 31.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33092/

[Alter Sachse]

[Alter Sachse]

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33095/

 At Baikonur Cosmodrome, preparations are nearing completion for the Progress MS-18 transport cargo spacecraft, developed and produced by the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia (part of Roscosmos State Corporation), to be launched under the 79th International Space Station supply mission.

Today, on October 22, 2021, the Progress MS-18 spacecraft as a part of the space head module was prepared for transportation to the general assembly with the launch vehicle. Roskosmos specialists tilted the spacecraft in the horizontal position, loaded it into a special wagon and sent to the assembly and testing facility site number 31.

The launch of Soyuz-2.1a rocket with Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft is scheduled for the end of October 2021 from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Rondaz]

The # ProgressMS18 cargo ship as part of the space warhead is prepared for transportation to the general assembly with the launch vehicle. The specialists tilted the ship to a horizontal position, loaded it into the carriage and sent it to the assembly and testing building.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1451593658264952849

[Rondaz]

Rocket with Russian wood painting style stickers to appear at Baikonur pad on October 25.

The liftoff of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle, which will put the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft into orbit, is scheduled for 03:00 Moscow Time on October 28.

22 OCT, 08:13

MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. The State Commission decided to transport the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft to the launch pad of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Roscosmos State Space Corporation revealed on Friday.

"The State Commission at the Baikonur Cosmodrome made a decision to clear the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle for rollout and installation at the launch pad on the morning of October 25," Roscosmos posted on Twitter.

The liftoff of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle, which will put the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft into orbit, is scheduled for 03:00 Moscow Time on October 28. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS on October 30.

Earlier, the space corporation posted snapshots on its website of the first and second rocket stages. The images featured stickers with Khokhloma ornaments, which originated in the eponymous village, now part of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. The rocket also bears symbols in honor of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod.

Head of the Nutrition Department of the ISS Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Alexander Agureev, told TASS that nutrition packages, which include ready-made meal kits for the New Year's table will be delivered on the Progress MS-18 spacecraft.

https://tass.com/science/1353135

[Rondaz]

General assembly of ILV Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 completed

10/23/2021 17:07

In the assembly and testing building of site No. 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome, a team of specialists from subsidiaries of the State Corporation Roscosmos has completed the general assembly of the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket. On October 28, 2021, it will launch the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle into low-earth orbit with 2.5 tons of cargo for the crew of the 66th long-term expedition to the International Space Station.

On Saturday, October 23, at the first stage of the work, the space warhead (with the "truck" under the fairing flaps) was docked with the third stage of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle, then this assembly was docked to the so-called launch vehicle package (the first and second steps). Upon completion of the mechanical assembly, electrical connections and checks of the assembled rocket were carried out.

Earlier, the State Commission made a decision to take the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle to the launch pad of the Baikonur cosmodrome. The removal of the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket will take place on the morning of Monday, October 25, 2021. After delivery to the launch complex, it will be installed in the launch device, and after the service columns have been brought together, Roscosmos specialists will carry out work according to the schedule of the first launch day.

In connection with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod in 2021, as well as within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the Roscosmos State Corporation and the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, this rocket has been marked with the symbols of the celebration of this event. In particular, the image of the Khokhloma painting is applied to the side blocks of the first and third steps. On the second step, there is a sticker with the inscription dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the city of Nizhny Novgorod.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33078/

[Rondaz]

General assembly completed, preparing for rollout, which will take place on Monday.

At the #Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Soyuz-2.1a space rocket general assembly has been completed for the upcoming the #ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1451912892975091712

[Alter Sachse]

[Rondaz]

#Baikonur Cosmodrome in touch! The gates opened as scheduled.

At 02:30 UTC (at 07:30 local time), the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the #ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft was rolled out from the assembly and testing facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1452462465263013895

[Rondaz]

The Soyuz-2.1a / #ProgressMS18 space rocket was delivered to the Site 31 launch complex of the #Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Now Roscosmos specialists are starting its verticalization

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1452472732357173253

[Alter Sachse]

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33085/

[Rondaz]

Cargo ship "Progress MS-18" at the launch complex "Vostok"

10/25/2021 08:05

Final pre-launch operations with the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle and the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle are underway at the Baikonur cosmodrome. In accordance with the decision of the State Commission on October 25, 2021, the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket was taken to the launch complex of site No. 31.

The transportation of the missile from the assembly and test building began at 05:30 Moscow time. After verticalization operations and information of service farms at the launch complex of site No. 31, specialists from Roscosmos subsidiaries began work according to the schedule of the first launch day. After the docking of communications of the rocket with ground equipment, autonomous tests of the systems and assemblies of the cargo ship, the launch vehicle and the launch complex are to be performed, then - the final operations at "zero" and the report on the results of the first launch day.

The new "space truck", the launch and docking of which is scheduled for October 28 and 30, respectively, will deliver to the International Space Station 470 kg of refueling fuel, 420 liters of drinking water in the Rodnik system tanks, 40 kg of air and oxygen in cylinders, as well as 1,509 kg of equipment and materials in the cargo hold, including resource equipment and means of maintenance of onboard systems, packing for space experiments, medical control and sanitary and hygienic supplies, garments, standard rations and fresh food.

***

The Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle is a three-stage medium-class missile, which is a modified version (modernization stage - 1a) of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle. Designed to support launches of military, national and social spacecraft.

The launch vehicle was designed and manufactured at the Progress Rocket and Space Center (Samara, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation). It is equipped with a new digital control system, common for all three stages, as well as a new digital radio telemetry measurement system. The installation of a digital control system on the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle increased the launch accuracy, stability and controllability of the launch vehicle, and made it possible to use large fairings.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33085/

[Rondaz]

A Soyuz rocket painted under the Gorodets painting was installed at Baikonur.

"Soyuz" painted under the Gorodets painting was installed on the launch pad at Baikonur.

08:48 10/25/2021 (updated: 11:32 10/25/2021)

MOSCOW, October 25 - RIA Novosti. The Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft, decorated with Gorodets painting in honor of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod , was taken to the launch pad at the Baikonur cosmodrome , the press service of Roscosmos told RIA Novosti .

"In accordance with the decision of the state commission on October 25, 2021, the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket was taken to the launch complex of site number 31," the message says.

The launch of the Progress rocket is scheduled for October 28 at 3.00 Moscow time. The spacecraft docking to the ISS Zvezda module is expected on October 30 at 4.34 Moscow time. On board the "truck" there are about one and a half tons of various equipment and materials, including resource equipment and tools for spacewalks, medical controls and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing, food rations, fresh food and packing for experiments.

The rocket was decorated in honor of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod. The image under the Gorodets painting was applied to the side blocks of the first and third stages of the rocket. A sticker with a congratulatory inscription for the anniversary was glued to the second step.

Later it became known that within the framework of a commercial project, the inscription "180 years of Sberbank " would also be stuck on the rocket .

Gorodets painting is a Russian folk art craft that has existed since the middle of the 19th century in the area of ​​the city of Gorodets (Nizhny Novgorod region).

Last year, Dmitry Rogozin , general director of Roscosmos, proposed decorating rockets with Khokhloma and Gzhel to preserve the traditions of Russian folk craft, as well as the coats of arms of the cities of the Golden Ring in order to advertise domestic tourism.

The Progress ships are used to deliver cargo for the crew, fuel, oxygen, air and drinking water to the station. Since 1978, 169 launches of Progress spacecraft of various modifications have been carried out, three of which did not make it to the ISS due to launch vehicle accidents in 2011, 2015 and 2016.

https://ria.ru/20211025/raketa-1756068576.html

[Rondaz]

Next stage of rollout

The Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the #ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft is installed on the Site 31 launch pad (‘Vostok’). Now the service structures are to roll up.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1452485390582128640

[Rondaz]

After rolling up the service structures, specialists began working in accordance with the L-3 schedule.

The launch teams began to perform operations on preflight testing of systems and assemblies with the interface check of the onboard and ground equipment.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1452501570151751680

[Alter Sachse]

[Rondaz]

The second starting day is underway at Baikonur

10/26/2021 09:30

At the Vostok launch complex of the Baikonur cosmodrome, active preparations are continuing for the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle under the Russian program of the International Space Station. The day before, the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket was removed to the launch site. The calculations of the subsidiaries of the State Corporation "Roscosmos" carried out the work according to the schedule of the first launch day.

Today, preparations for the upcoming launch on Thursday continue. Within the framework of the second launch day, work is carried out according to the "Technological pre-launch preparation" mode. In the afternoon, general tests of the space rocket will take place, during which its launch and flight are simulated until the spacecraft separates in the target orbit.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle is scheduled for October 28, 2021 from the site No. 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome. The spacecraft will deliver to the ISS 470 kg of refueling fuel, 420 liters of drinking water, 40 kg of air and oxygen in cylinders, 1,509 kg of equipment and materials, medical controls and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, standard food rations and fresh food.

Progress MS is a Russian automatic transport spacecraft. It is part of the Progress family of cargo ships, which were created specifically for servicing orbital stations. Used to deliver cargo to the International Space Station, as well as to correct its orbit. The developer and manufacturer of the new modification "Progress MS" - Rocket and Space Corporation "Energia" named after S.P. Korolev (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation).

The Progress MS spacecraft has three compartments: a cargo compartment (for storing dry cargo and water), an instrument-and-assembly compartment, and a compartment for refueling components (for delivering fuel to the station). Length - 7.2 m, maximum diameter - 2.72 m, launch weight - about 7.3 tons. It can take a payload weighing about 2.6 tons.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33106/

[Rondaz]

At Baikonur, preparations continue for the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the # ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft on October 28.

Today, general tests of the space rocket will take place, during which its launch and flight are simulated until the spacecraft separates in the target orbit.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1452890882118725633

[Rondaz]

Today is a reserve day in the preparation of "Progress MS-18"

10/27/2021 09:20

At the Vostok launch complex of Baikonur, preparations for the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle, which is scheduled for October 28, 2021, are nearing completion. Today is a reserve day in the preparation of the Soyuz-2.1a / Progress MS-18 space rocket.

On Tuesday, the work was carried out according to the schedule of the second starting day. The result was general tests - checking the functioning of the systems of the complex with an imitation of the flight of the launch vehicle before separating the spacecraft in the target orbit. Today there will be "spills" - tests for the tightness of pipelines through which the carrier tanks will be filled with fuel. In the second half of the day - additional packing of the equipment delivered on board the International Space Station to the cargo ship in accordance with the terms of reference.

Tonight, the joint crew of the Baikonur cosmodrome specialists will begin work on the launch day program. At 23:00 Moscow time, a meeting of the State Commission will take place, which will consider the results of tests carried out with a launch vehicle and a cargo ship during three launch days. The members of the commission will assess the readiness of the product for filling with fuel components and start-up at the scheduled time.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33119/

[Rondaz]

At the Vostok launch complex of Baikonur, preparations for the night launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft are nearing completion :https://roscosmos.ru/33119/

Today is a reserve day in the preparation of a space rocket.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1453245663999823874

[owais.usmani]

Is that calligraphy type thing near the base of the rocket some thing new? I don't think I have seen it before. Any body knows the reason for it?

[SpaceFinnOriginal]

Is that calligraphy type thing near the base of the rocket some thing new? I don't think I have seen it before. Any body knows the reason for it?

This is to mark 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod city. Local style ornament. There is commemorative sticker on the rocket also.

[owais.usmani]

Is that calligraphy type thing near the base of the rocket some thing new? I don't think I have seen it before. Any body knows the reason for it?

This is to mark 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod city. Local style ornament. There is commemorative sticker on the rocket also.

Thanks for your answer, although I am not sure exactly what connection the Soyuz rocket has with the city of Nizhny Novgorod. I believe they have always been constructed in Samara right from the very first R-7.

[zubenelgenubi]

Thanks for your answer, although I am not sure exactly what connection the Soyuz rocket has with the city of Nizhny Novgorod. <snip>

It would be like NASA placing a huge "I ❤ NY" logo on a rocket payload fairing.  My bold:

Roscosmos decorated the Soyuz rocket under Khokhloma.

Roscosmos decorated the Soyuz rocket under Khokhloma in honor of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod.

12:57 10/12/2021

MOSCOW, October 12 - RIA Novosti. <snip>

In 2020, Dmitry Rogozin , the general director of Roscosmos, proposed decorating rockets with Khokhloma and Gzhel to preserve the traditions of Russian folk craft, as well as the coats of arms of the cities of the Golden Ring in order to advertise domestic tourism.

https://ria.ru/20211012/roskosmos-1754181193.html

[Rondaz]

MCC has completed preparations for the launch of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft

10/27/2021 19:00

Specialists from the Moscow Region TsNIIMash Flight Control Center (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) have completed preparations for launching the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle into orbit and subsequent docking to the Russian segment of the International Space Station. In accordance with the calculations of the ballistic and navigation support service of the MCC, the launch is scheduled in 8 hours, on October 28 at 03:00:32 Moscow time.

Specialists of the ISS Russian Segment Main Operational Control Group (SP Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, part of Roscosmos) will start operating the “space truck” after separation from the third stage of the launch vehicle. The approach of the Progress MS-18 spacecraft with the station and the docking to the Zvezda service module is planned to be carried out automatically under the control of the MCC specialists and the Russian crew members of the station, Roskosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Peter Dubrov. Docking with the station is scheduled for October 30, 2021 at 04:34 Moscow time (± 3 min).

The spacecraft must deliver on board the International Space Station refueling fuel, supplies of drinking water and air, as well as 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials necessary for its further operation in a manned mode. At the same time, a complex of target loads will be sent to the station as part of the implementation of the Russian program of scientific and applied research.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33131/

[Rondaz]

Petr Dubrov on upcoming operations with Progress ships

[Alter Sachse]

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33132/

launchmass ~7400 kg
cargo ~2513 kg

launch 00:00:32 UTC
docking ~01:34 UTC

orbit 51.67° 88.54 min 193x240 km

[russianhalo117]

The countdown is proceeding with the service gantries retracted and Pad ready for launch at T-20:00:
Commentary


Technical stream

[russianhalo117]

Start key turned.
Blok-I and PLF service mast jettison and retract.

[zubenelgenubi]

Final minutes of countdown proceeding.

[russianhalo117]

R-7A blocks service mast jettison and retract.
Engines start sequence and liftoff.

[russianhalo117]

Nominal flight programme.

[russianhalo117]

Side bloks nominal sep

[russianhalo117]

PLF sep.
Blok-I hot staging.

[russianhalo117]

Engine skirt sep

[Salo]

Liftoff 00:00:32.525 UTC.

[russianhalo117]

Payload sep and CCAM vent sequence.
Spaceraft onboard deployments.

[Rondaz]

The Mission Control Center has completed preparations for launching the ProgressMS18 spacecraft into orbit and its docking with the ISS.

The launch is scheduled at 03:00 Moscow time on October 28
Docking is expected at 04:34 on October 30 Pyotr Dubrov spoke about the upcoming operations with the Progress spacecraft

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1453391035934154760

[Rondaz]

Blastoff! Progress 79 cargo spacecraft launches to space station

[Rondaz]

Successful Launch of Russian Resupply Ship to Station

Norah Moran Posted on October 27, 2021

The uncrewed Russian Progress 79 is safely in orbit headed for the International Space Station following launch at 8 p.m. EDT (5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, Baikonur time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The resupply ship reached preliminary orbit and deployed its solar arrays and navigational antennas as planned for a two-day rendezvous on its way to meet up with the orbiting laboratory and its Expedition 66 crew members.

After making 33 orbits of Earth on its journey, Progress will dock to the aft port of the station’s Zvezda module at 9:34 p.m. Friday, Oct 29. Live coverage on NASA TV of rendezvous and docking will begin at 8:45 p.m.

Carrying more than three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the Expedition 66 crew, the Progress 79 resupply spacecraft will spend about seven months at the station. The space station was flying over the south Atlantic Ocean at the time of the launch.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2021/10/27/successful-launch-of-russian-resupply-ship-to-station/

[Rondaz]

Spaceship "Progress MS-18" on the way to the ISS

10/28/2021 03:10

In accordance with the approved Russian flight schedule to the International Space Station, today, October 28, 2021, at 03:00:32 Moscow time, the Soyuz carrier rocket was successfully launched from launcher No. 6 of site No. 31 (Vostok) of the Baikonur cosmodrome -2.1а "with the transport cargo vehicle" Progress MS-18 ". After 8 minutes 48 seconds, the separation of the spacecraft and the third stage of the carrier was recorded, then the solar panels and antennas opened.

Specialists of the Main Operational Group for Flight Control of the Russian Segment of the International Space Station (Rocket and Space Corporation Energia named after SP Korolev, part of the State Corporation Roscosmos) have started flight control. According to telemetry information received by the Central Information Center of the State Corporation Roscosmos, the rocket in the normal mode put the Russian spacecraft into the target orbit with the following parameters:

Circulation period  - 88.54 minutes;

orbital inclination  - 51.67 degrees;

minimum orbital altitude  - 193.04 km;

the maximum orbital altitude  is 240.57 km.

The autonomous flight to the International Space Station will take place according to the standard two-day scheme, and docking to the aggregate compartment of the Zvezda service module of the Russian segment is scheduled for October 30, 2021 at 04:34 Moscow time (± 3 min). Docking is planned to be carried out automatically under the control of specialists from the Moscow Region Mission Control Center TsNIIMash (part of Roscosmos) and the Russian crew members of the ISS-66 Expedition - Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov.

The new ship will deliver about 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials, including resource equipment and tools for extravehicular activities under the Russian program, medical control and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, food rations and fresh food for the crew of the 66th long-term expedition. as well as packing for the following scientific space experiments: "Matryoshka-R", "Biomag-M", "Aseptic", "Structure" and "Photobioreactor". In addition, it carries 560 kg of refueling fuel, 420 liters of drinking water in the Rodnik system tanks and 43 kg of compressed air in the cylinders of oxygen supply.

In connection with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod in 2021, as well as within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the Roscosmos State Corporation and the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, this rocket has been marked with the symbols of the celebration of this event.

In addition, within the framework of cooperation between the State Corporation Roscosmos and the Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia, the SBER logo was applied to the flaps of the head fairing in honor of the 180th anniversary of Sberbank, which will be celebrated on November 12.

The Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle is a three-stage medium-class missile, which is a modified version (modernization stage - 1a) of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle. Designed to support launches of military, national and social spacecraft.

The launch vehicle was designed and manufactured at the Progress Rocket and Space Center (Samara, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation). It is equipped with a new digital control system, common for all three stages, as well as a new digital radio telemetry measurement system. The installation of a digital control system on the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle increased the launch accuracy, stability and controllability of the launch vehicle, and made it possible to use large fairings.

All engines of the launch vehicle worked in the normal mode, including engines of the RD-107/108 family of the first and second stages, developed at the Scientific and Production Association "Energomash" named after Academician V.P. Glushko (part of Roskosmos), and the third stage RD-0110 engine, created at the Voronezh rocket engine building center (also a Roscosmos enterprise).

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33133/

[Rondaz]

Soyuz-2.1a is a three-stage rocket designed for launching spacecraft, incl. cargo and manned ships. It is distinguished by increased accuracy of launching and increased mass of cargo due to improved control system and engines of the 1st and 2nd stages.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1453500147086807040

[Rondaz]

3 .. 2 .. 1 .. LIFTOFF

The Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle together with # ProgressMS18 spacecraft lifted off from the #Baikonur cosmodrome. The purpose of the flight is to deliver propellant, food and other cargo to the @Space_Station..

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1453512148190212098

[Rondaz]

Beautiful launch photos in our space gallery

Truck # ProgressMS18 will deliver 1,490 kg of equipment and materials (clothing, food, packing for experiments) to the ISS. In addition, he will bring 560 kg of fuel, 420 liters of water and 43 kg of compressed air.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1453533746162974726

[Josh_from_Canada]

Photos of ignition.
https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1453589996225679361

[Rondaz]

Docking of the Progress MS-17 cargo vehicle with the Nauka module. View from the Zvezda module

[Rondaz]

The rendezvous and docking are automatic, but we onboard the ISS are required to monitor all operations in case of any non-nominal situation.

Here you can see a small fragment of video shot from Zvezda during the #ProgressMS17 cargo spacecraft docking to the Nauka module.

https://twitter.com/Anton_Astrey/status/1453613783381856257

[Rondaz]

Spacecraft separation confirmed! Progress MS-18 has deployed its solar arrays and communications antennae after a perfect launch, on track to arrive at the ISS Saturday morning.

https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1453515033825132544

[Rondaz]

Start the weekend with a docking on the ISS   On Saturday at 04:34 Moscow time, the # ProgressMS18 cargo vehicle is expected to dock with the Zvezda module. Connect to our broadcast from 04:00. In the meantime, we have prepared a video of its launch in 4K quality.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454094039758815233

[Rondaz]

Russia's Progress resupply ship blasted off Wednesday and will dock to the station today at 9:34pm ET delivering nearly three tons of cargo to the crew live on @NASA TV.

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1454174662657720320

[Rondaz]

LIVE | NASA/ROSCOSMOS Progress 79 Soyus MS-18, Docking from the Space Station.

[Rondaz]

The Russian Mission Control Center goes #LIVE

The docking of the #ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft with the International @Space_Station is scheduled at 01:34 UTC.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454252038641135618

[Conexion Espacial]

We already have images of the cargo spacecraft.

[Rondaz]

Cosmonauts @Anton_Astrey and @PyotrDubrov are on duty tonight monitoring the approach and docking of the Progress resupply ship set for 9:34pm ET. Watch live on @NASA TV...

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1454251726798733319

[Conexion Espacial]

700 m

[Rondaz]

# ProgressMS18 : the crew from the International Space Station observes the cargo ship, which continues to fly around at a distance of 300 meters from the ISS.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454255030765330436

[Rondaz]

#ProgressMS18 : there is a bank reversal. The ship stops in front of the docking station at a distance of about 190 meters from the station.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454256765906952197

[Rondaz]

# ProgressMS18 : ship docking has begun. The target is almost in the center. Range Right pointing backhand index160 meters

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454257319521423364

[Rondaz]

Contact and capture!

The #ProgressMS18 spacecraft successfully docked with the International @Space_Station.

The cargo spacecraft delivered to the ISS over two tons of cargo, including fuel, air, equipment for maintaining the station in working order.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454259702024572929

[Rondaz]

Mechanical touch time: 04:31:19 Moscow time. Now there is a retraction of the barbell.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454260093248278529

[Rondaz]

Progress MS-18 docked to the Zvezda module

10/30/2021 04:32

In accordance with the Russian flight program of the International Space Station, on October 30, 2021, at 04:31:19 Moscow time, the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle was docked. The operations of docking and docking to the Zvezda service module were carried out automatically under the control of specialists from the Mission Control Center of TsNIIMash, the Main Operational Control Group of the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation named after S.P. Korolev (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) and the Russian crew members of the ISS-66, Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov.

The Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle had been launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome two days earlier. The launch took place in the normal mode on October 28 at 03:00:32 Moscow time from the launch pad number 31 ("Vostok"). After 528.9 seconds, the spacecraft was launched into the target orbit and deployed the solar panels according to the flight sequence. It was the 18th Russian space launch in 2021.

The space "truck" delivered cargoes with a total mass of more than 2.5 tons to the ISS, necessary to maintain its flight in a manned mode and implement the Russian program of scientific and applied research. Among them: 1,490 kg of various equipment and materials, including resource equipment and tools for extravehicular activities, medical control and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, standard food rations and fresh food for the crew of the 66th main expedition, as well as 560 kg of refueling fuel, 420 liters of drinking water in the tanks of the Rodnik system and 43 kg of compressed air in the cylinders of oxygen supply devices.

In addition, a set of target loads was delivered to the station as part of the implementation of the Russian program of scientific and applied research and experiments:

Matryoshka-R  - study of the dynamics of the radiation situation in orbit and the accumulation of dose in spherical and anthropomorphic phantoms;

Biomag-M  - study of changes in the properties of biological objects and the possibility of increasing their activity under conditions of magnetic field shielding under the influence of the main factors of outer space;

Aseptic  - development of methods and technical means for monitoring the sterility of equipment;

Structure  - study of physical processes of protein crystallization to obtain perfect protein single crystals suitable for X-ray structural analysis and deciphering their structure in the interests of fundamental science, medicine and biotechnology;

Photobioreactor  - creation of a photobioreactor for conducting biotechnological experiments and obtaining food and oxygen by cultivating microalgae in microgravity.

After completing the necessary checks of the tightness of the joint, Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov will open the transfer hatches and carry out the final operations to dismantle the docking mechanism, transfer the Progress power supply system to combined power and mothballing the cargo ship. According to the plan, the ship will stay with the International Space Station until the spring of 2022.

Progress MS is a Russian automatic transport spacecraft. It is part of the Progress family of cargo ships, which were created specifically for servicing orbital stations. Used to deliver cargo to the International Space Station, as well as to correct its orbit. The developer and manufacturer of the new modification "Progress MS" - Rocket and Space Corporation "Energia" named after S.P. Korolev (part of the Roscosmos State Corporation).

The Progress MS spacecraft has three compartments: a cargo compartment (for storing dry cargo and water), an instrument-and-assembly compartment, and a compartment for refueling components (for delivering fuel to the station). Length - 7.2 m, maximum diameter - 2.72 m, launch weight - about 7.3 tons. It can take a payload weighing about 2.6 tons.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33166/

[Rondaz]

There is a docking of electrical connectors and a joint closure.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454260652466479106

[Rondaz]

Russian Cargo Ship Docks to Station with Food, Fuel and Supplies

Mark Garcia Posted on October 29, 2021

An uncrewed Russian Progress 79 spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station’s Zvezda module at 9:31 p.m. EDT, two days after lifting off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Carrying almost three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the Expedition 66 crew, the Progress 79 resupply spacecraft will spend about seven months at the station.

Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on Twitter, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2021/10/29/russian-cargo-ship-docks-to-station-with-food-fuel-and-supplies/

[Rondaz]

Russia's Progress 79 resupply ship docked to the station today at 9:31pm ET with nearly three tons of food, fuel and supplies for the Exp 66 crew.

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1454261685687029768

[Rondaz]

At 04:35:42 Moscow time, the joint seals were compressed and at 04:36:14, the hooks were closed.

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454261577553747968

[SciNews]

Progress MS-18 docking

[Rondaz]

The # ProgressMS18 spacecraft delivered to the ISS 560 kg of fuel, 420 liters of water, 43 kg of air and oxygen in cylinders, 1,490 kg of equipment and materials, medical controls and sanitary and hygienic supplies, clothing items, standard food rations and fresh food

https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1454267055620960256

[Rondaz]

How is your weekend? We started it with the #ProgressMS18 cargo spacecraft docking. Everything went smoothly! Flexed biceps

Today and in the next few days we will gradually unload the cargoes, equipment, tools, stowages, food... possibly gifts as well.

https://twitter.com/Anton_Astrey/status/1454278901019123713

[Rondaz]

The Luch relay system has successfully completed the tasks of launching the Progress MS-18 cargo vehicle

02.11.2021 20:43

The Luch multifunctional space relay system successfully completed its target tasks during the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle.

After the Progress MS-18 spacecraft left the range of radio visibility of ground communication facilities (11th minute of flight), telemetry and command information from the spacecraft was transmitted by means of the Luch system (operator - Gonets satellite system). For these purposes, the channels of spacecraft of the Luch-5 series, onboard equipment installed on the spacecraft, and ground infrastructure were used. The operator's on-duty shifts in the normal mode completed the tasks of planning and controlling the retransmission sessions.

In total, starting from the launch of Progress into near-earth orbit and until the completion of its docking with the ISS on October 30, 2021 at 04:31 Moscow time, 35 relay sessions were successfully carried out. Target information was successfully obtained and communicated to end users. The planned operation of the Luch multifunctional space relay system with the docked Progress MS-18 spacecraft continues in accordance with the established schedule.

https://www.roscosmos.ru/33212/

[Rondaz]

"Progress MS-18" will undock from the ISS and sink in the Pacific Ocean.

The Progress MS-18 cargo ship will undock from the ISS and sink in the Pacific Ocean on June 1.

10:48 23.05.2022

MOSCOW, May 23 - RIA Novosti. The Progress MS-18 cargo ship will undock from the International Space Station on June 1 and will be flooded in the non-navigable region of the Pacific Ocean, Roscosmos reports .

"The undocking of the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft with the Zvezda service module of the Russian segment of the International Space Station is scheduled for June 1, 2022, " the statement on the state corporation's website reads.

It is noted that the ship will undock at 11.02 Moscow time. The fall of fireproof structural elements of "Progress" is expected at 14.49 Moscow time in a non-navigable area of ​​the Pacific Ocean , two thousand kilometers from the capital of New Zealand, Wellington .

The ship was launched on a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Baikonur on October 28, 2021, it arrived at the station on October 30 and, in addition to standard cargo, brought the astronauts tools for working in outer space.

On May 14, Progress MS-18 carried out a correction of the station's orbit and raised its altitude by almost two kilometers. This is necessary to create conditions for the launch and docking of another truck, Progress MS-20, which is scheduled to launch on June 3.

The launch of the Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the next Progress will be dedicated to the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics . The flags of the DPR , LPR and the image of a brave Ukrainian grandmother, who, with the flag of the USSR, refused to accept food from the Ukrainian military, will be applied to the nose fairing of the rocket. The inscription "Donbass" will be applied to the second stage of the launch vehicle.

The head of Roskosmos, Dmitry Rogozin , also stated that he would invite children from Donbass to this launch .

https://ria.ru/20220523/progress-1790101975.html

[russianhalo117]

https://tass.ru/kosmos/14785363
Google translate:

The flooding of the Progress MS-18 cargo ship will begin at 11:01 Moscow time with a command to undock, physical separation will occur at 11:03 Moscow time. It is assumed that the Progress MS-18 propulsion system for deorbiting will be turned on at 14:11 Moscow time. At 14:43 Moscow time, the ship is expected to enter the dense layers of the atmosphere, and at 14:51 Moscow time, fireproof elements will be flooded in the non-navigable part of the Pacific Ocean, 2.7 thousand km from the city of Wellington and 7.2 thousand km from the city of Santiago.

[centaurinasa]

Undocking occured at 08:03 UTC Reentry scheduled at 11:51 UTC

[centaurinasa]

Configuration of the ISS after Progress MS-18 departure from Zvezda SM.

[Rondaz]

Cargo spacecraft Progress MS-18 undocked from the ISS.

The Progress MS-18 cargo ship undocked from the ISS, it will be flooded in the Pacific Ocean.

11:06 06/01/2022 (updated: 11:09 06/01/2022)

MOSCOW, June 1 - RIA Novosti. The Progress MS-18 cargo ship undocked from the International Space Station, in a few hours it will deorbit and be flooded in the non-navigable region of the Pacific Ocean, the broadcast is on the Roscosmos website .

The propulsion system of the spacecraft should start braking at 14:11 Moscow time, after which it will deorbit and collapse.

Fireproof structural elements of the ship should fall at 14.51 Moscow time two thousand kilometers from the capital of New Zealand,  Wellington .

Progress MS-18 has been on the ISS since October 30, 2021. He delivered standard cargoes and tools for work in open space. With the help of the ship's propulsion system, the station's orbit was corrected several times, including three times to remove the ISS from space debris.

The launch of the next truck, Progress MS-20, and its docking with the station are scheduled for June 3.

https://ria.ru/20220601/progress-1792277177.html

[Rondaz]

Progress MS-18 loaded with 1.3 tonnes of garbage separates from ISS.

1 JUN, 01:41

The spacecraft vacated a docking port for the Progress MS-20 vehicle, to be launched and docked with the ISS on Friday
ISS, June 1. /TASS/. The Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft, which has thrice prevented the ISS’s collision with space debris, has separated from the Zvezda module. The deorbiting process is streamed on the website of Roscosmos corporation.

The Progress MS-18’s propulsion system will be turned on at 14:11 Moscow time for deorbiting. At 14:43 Moscow time, the spacecraft is expected to enter the dense layers of the atmosphere. At 14:51 Moscow time, fireproof elements will be dumped in the Pacific Ocean far away from busy shipping routes 2,700 kilometers from Wellington and 7,200 kilometers from Santiago.

The cargo spacecraft has vacated a docking port for the Progress MS-20 vehicle, to be launched and docked with the ISS on June 3. Progress MS-18 spacecraft’s engines were burned nine times to adjust the ISS orbit, including three times to avoid space debris.

Earlier, TASS special correspondent, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemiev, reported that about 1.3 tonnes of debris and end-of-life equipment would be removed from the ISS along with Progress MS-18. The crew members had done their utmost to load the spacecraft to capacity, because the dumping of the next "truck" is due only after a long while. The Progress MS-19, launched in February, will be part of the station for twelve months.

Progress MS is a Russian automatic spacecraft, created especially for servicing orbital outposts. Its task is to deliver various cargoes (fuel, research equipment, oxygen, water and food) to the ISS, as well as to correct its orbit.

https://tass.com/science/1458861

[Rondaz]

Space truck "Progress MS-18" flooded in the Pacific Ocean.

Refractory elements of the space truck "Progress MS-18" are flooded in the Pacific Ocean.

15:05 06/01/2022 (updated: 15:08 06/01/2022)

MOSCOW, June 1 - RIA Novosti. The Progress MS-18 cargo ship, which undocked from the International Space Station, has deorbited, its refractory elements that survived re-entry are flooded in the non-navigable region of the Pacific Ocean, Roskosmos reports .

"Progress" descended from orbit and ceased to exist. Unburned fragments fell at 14.51 Moscow time on the "cemetery of spaceships" in the non-navigable region of the South Pacific Ocean," the state corporation said in a Telegram message.

The spacecraft undocked from the Zvezda module of the station's Russian segment at 11:03 Moscow time. At 14.11 Moscow time, its propulsion system switched on for braking. After Progress received the necessary boost, it deorbited and disintegrated in the atmosphere.

Progress MS-18 has been on the ISS since October 30, 2021. In addition to standard cargo, he delivered to the astronauts tools for working in outer space. With the help of the ship's propulsion system, the station's orbit was corrected several times, including three times to evade the ISS from space debris. The last time Progress MS-18 changed the station's orbit was on May 14, raising it by almost two kilometers so that the next truck could dock with the ISS.

The launch of Progress MS-20 and its docking with the station are scheduled for June 3.

https://ria.ru/20220601/progress-1792370051.html

[Rondaz]

The Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft, which took the International Space Station away from space debris three times, undocked from the Zvezda module:

Photo: Oleg Artemyev/TASS, ISS..

https://twitter.com/tass_agency/status/1531935812815814662

[Rondaz]

Russian cosmonaut @OlegMKS captured this view while Progress MS-18 spacecraft undocked from the Zvezda module of the International Space Station..

https://twitter.com/SpaceGirlLina/status/1531994107521904640

[Rondaz]

The Progress MS-18 spacecraft automatically undocked from the Zvezda module of the International Space Station @SergKorsakov..

https://twitter.com/SpaceGirlLina/status/1531993508164161544

[Rondaz]

Expedition 67 crew member @OlegMKS closed the transfer hatch on Zvezda module for Progress MS-18 spacecraft undock from the International Space Station.

https://twitter.com/SpaceGirlLina/status/1531985445059366912

[Rondaz]

The shadow of the Progress

https://twitter.com/SergKorsakov/status/1532008086742917120

[Rondaz]

Progress MS-18 successfully undocked and departed. But who are those stowaways watching us?

https://twitter.com/SergKorsakov/status/1531993133835239425