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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox spacecraft class {{Infobox spacecraft class
| name = Progress | name = Progress
| image = Progress spacecraft.jpg | image = Progress spacecraft.jpg
| image_caption = ] spacecraft in space | image_caption = ] spacecraft in space
| image_size = 300px | image_size = 300px
| manufacturer =
| manufacturer = | designer =
⚫ | country = ] / ]
| designer =
⚫ | operator = ]
⚫ | country = ] / ]
⚫ | applications = {{unbulleted list|Cargo resupply}}
⚫ | operator = ]
⚫ | spacecraft_type = ]
⚫ | applications = {{unbulleted list|Cargo resupply}}
| spacecraft_bus =

⚫ | design_life = 180 days docked to a ]{{efn|] remained docked more than one year}}
⚫ | spacecraft_type = ]
| spacecraft_bus = | launch_mass =
⚫ | dry_mass =
⚫ | design_life = 370 days docked to a ]{{efn|] remained docked more than one year}}
| launch_mass =
⚫ | dry_mass =
| payload_capacity = {{cvt|2400|kg}} | payload_capacity = {{cvt|2400|kg}}
⚫ | volume = {{cvt|7.6|m3}}

| power =
⚫ | volume = {{cvt|7.6|m3}}
| power = | equipment =
⚫ | length = {{cvt|7.23|m}}
| equipment =
⚫ | diameter = {{cvt|2.72|m}}

| width =
⚫ | length = {{cvt|7.23|m}}
| span =
⚫ | diameter = {{cvt|2.72|m}}
| width = | orders = 8
| span = | built = 182
| operational = 2 (], ])
| retired = 177
| lost = 3 (], ], ])
}} }}


The '''Progress''' ({{langx|ru|Прогресс}}) is a Russian expendable ]. Originally developed for the ] and derived from the crewed ], Progress has been instrumental in maintaining long-duration space missions by providing consumables like food, water, and air, as well as maintenance equipment. Since its maiden flight in 1978, Progress has supported various space stations, including ], ], and ], and remains a key resupply vehicle for the ] (ISS).
The '''Progress''' ({{lang-ru|Прогресс}}) is a Russian expendable ]. Its purpose is to deliver the supplies needed to sustain a human presence in orbit. While it does not carry a crew, it can be boarded by astronauts when docked to a ], hence it is classified as ''crewed'' by its manufacturer.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.astronautix.com/craft/progress.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011226110751/http://www.astronautix.com/craft/progress.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 December 2001|title=Progress |encyclopedia=] |access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacecraftnames.info/1.html|title=Return to selections: 1|publisher=Spacecraft Names|access-date=29 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206002159/http://www.spacecraftnames.info/1.html|archive-date=6 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.astronautix.com/articles/rustions.htm|title=Russian Designations |encyclopedia=] |access-date=29 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023050925/http://www.astronautix.com/articles/rustions.htm|archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Progress is derived from the crewed ] and launches on the same ], a ].


Each Progress mission delivers thousands of kilograms of supplies in its pressurized module. It also carries water, fuel, and gases to replenish the station's resources and sustain its onboard atmosphere. Beyond resupply duties, a docked Progress can maneuver or reboost the station, countering atmospheric drag and maintaining its operational altitude. When a Progress spacecraft nears the end of its design life, it is loaded with waste, undocked, and deorbited to safely disintegrate in Earth's atmosphere.
Progress has supported space stations as early as ] and as recently as the ] (ISS). Each year there are between three and four Progress flights to the ISS. A Progress remains docked until shortly before being replaced with a new one or a Soyuz (which will use the same docking port). Then it is filled with waste, disconnected, and de-orbited, at which point it burns up in the atmosphere. Due to the variation in Progress vehicles flown to the ISS, NASA uses its own nomenclature where "'''ISS 1P'''" means the first Progress spacecraft to ISS.


{{As of|2024|11}}, there have been 182 ], with only three failures, all occurring between 2011 and 2016. Typically, three to four Progress flights are launched to the ISS each year. Due to the variation in Progress vehicles flown to the ISS, NASA uses its own nomenclature where "'''ISS 1P'''" means the first Progress spacecraft to ISS.
Progress was developed because of the need for a constant source of supplies to make long duration space missions possible. It was determined that cosmonauts needed an inflow of consumables (food, water, air, etc.), plus there was a need for maintenance items and scientific payloads that necessitated a dedicated cargo carrier. Such payloads were impractical to launch with passengers in the restricted space of a Soyuz. As of 15 February 2021, there have been 168 ] with three failures. All three failures have occurred between 2011 and 2016.


== Design == == Design ==
The Progress spacecraft shares much of design with the crewed ] but with several modifications to make it better suited to cargo transport. It consists of three distinct sections:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Progress cargo ship |url=https://www.russianspaceweb.com/progress.html |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=www.russianspaceweb.com}}</ref>
Progress is of much the same size and shape as ]. It consists of three modules:


* A pressurized forward module. This carries the supplies for the crew such as scientific equipment, clothes, prepackaged and fresh food, and letters from home. The docking drogue is similar to that of the Soyuz but features ducting for the ] (UDMH) fuel and ] oxidiser. * '''Cargo Section''': This pressurized carries supplies for the crew, including maintenance items, prepackaged and fresh food, scientific equipment, and clothing. Its docking drogue, similar to that of the Soyuz, features ducting that enables fuel transfer (described below).
* A fuel compartment. The reentry module of the Soyuz was replaced with an unpressurized propellant and refueling compartment with ducting along the outside of the spacecraft. This meant that if a leak occurred, the poisonous gas would not enter the station's atmosphere. The fuel is carried in two tanks. * '''Tanker Section''': Replacing the Soyuz’s reentry module, this unpressurized compartment houses two tanks containing ] (UDMH) fuel and ] ({{Chem2|N2O4}}) oxidizer. Ducts run from these tanks around the outside of the pressurized module to connectors at the docking port, allowing automated fuel transfer. This design prevents any potential leaks of the toxic propellant from contaminating the station's atmosphere. This section also contains water tanks.
* A propulsion module. The propulsion module, at the rear of the spacecraft, remained unchanged from the Soyuz and contains the orientation engines used for the automatic docking. It may be used to boost the orbit of the station once docked. * '''Propulsion Section''': Located at the rear of the spacecraft, this unpressurized compartment remains largely unchanged from the Soyuz design. It contains the orientation engines used for automatic docking and can be utilized to boost the station's orbit once docked.


Reduction in ] was possible because the Progress was designed to be uncrewed and disposable. This means that there is no need for bulky life support systems and ]s. A small amount of weight is saved due to the lack of automatic crew rescue systems and the lack of parachutes. The spacecraft also has no ability to split into separate modules. After undocking, the spacecraft performs a retrofire and burns up in the atmosphere. The Progress spacecraft’s uncrewed and disposable design enables significant weight reduction. Unlike Soyuz, it does not require life support systems, heat shields, parachutes, or automatic crew rescue systems. Additionally, it lacks the ability to separate into multiple modules. After completing its mission, the spacecraft undocks, performs a controlled retrofire, and burns up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere.


== Versions == == Versions ==
Five major variants of the Progress spacecraft have been flown so far: ] (1978–1990), ] (1989–2009), ] (2000–2004), ] (2008–2015) and ] (since 2015).
There were many small variations between the different flights, but the major upgrades are reflected in the change of name.


In addition, three custom Progress M variants were launched to deliver ISS modules '']'' in 2001, '']'' in 2009 and '']'' in 2021.
⚫ === Progress (1978–1990) ===

⚫ === Progress 7K-TG (1978–1990) ===
{{main|Progress 7K-TG}} {{main|Progress 7K-TG}}
] ]
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The bureau in charge of designing the freighter was ] (now ]). They began work on the design in mid-1973, assigning Progress the ] index 11F615A15. The design was complete by February 1974, and the first production model was ready for launch in November 1977. ] launched on 20 January 1978 aboard the same rocket used to launch the Soyuz. It still featured the same launch shroud as the Soyuz, though this was purely for aerodynamic purposes as the ] had been deactivated. The bureau in charge of designing the freighter was ] (now ]). They began work on the design in mid-1973, assigning Progress the ] index 11F615A15. The design was complete by February 1974, and the first production model was ready for launch in November 1977. ] launched on 20 January 1978 aboard the same rocket used to launch the Soyuz. It still featured the same launch shroud as the Soyuz, though this was purely for aerodynamic purposes as the ] had been deactivated.


This first version of Progress had a mass of {{cvt|7020|kg}} and carried {{cvt|2300|kg}} of cargo, or 30% of its ]. It had the same diameter as the Soyuz at {{cvt|2.2|m}}, but was {{cvt|8|m}} in length — slightly longer. The autonomous flight time was 3 days, the same time as that of the Soyuz ferry. It could spend 30 days docked. Progress always docked to the aft port of the station it was resupplying (the aft being where the main rocket engines of the station and their tankage, for refueling by the Progress, are located). This first version of Progress had a mass of {{cvt|7020|kg}} and carried {{cvt|2300|kg}} of cargo, or 30% of its ]. It had the same diameter as the Soyuz at {{cvt|2.2|m}}, but was {{cvt|8|m}} in length – slightly longer. The autonomous flight time was 3 days, the same time as that of the Soyuz ferry. It could spend 30 days docked. Progress always docked to the aft port of the station it was resupplying (the aft being where the main rocket engines of the station and their tankage, for refueling by the Progress, are located).


* Launch mass: {{cvt|7020|-|7249|kg}} * Launch mass: {{cvt|7020|-|7249|kg}}
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* Volume of cargo compartment: {{cvt|6.6|m3}} * Volume of cargo compartment: {{cvt|6.6|m3}}


=== Progress-M 11F615A55 (1989–2021) === === Progress M 11F615A55 (1989–2009) ===
{{main|Progress-M}} {{main|Progress M}}
] ]
] ]


The upgraded '''Progress M''' (]: 11F615A55, manufacturer's designation: 7K-TGM) was first launched in August 1989. The first 43 flights all went to ]; following Mir's re-entry, Progress was used as the resupply vehicle for the ]. As of December 2020, there have been over 80 flights (over different configurations) to the ISS and more are scheduled.<ref name="Nasa Launch Schedule">{{cite web|title=NASA Launch Schedule and NASA|url=http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The upgraded '''Progress M''' (]: 11F615A55, manufacturer's designation: 7K-TGM) was first launched in August 1989. The first 43 flights all went to ]; following Mir's re-entry, Progress was used as the resupply vehicle for the ]. As of December 2020, there have been over 80 flights (over different configurations) to the ISS and more are scheduled.<ref name="Nasa Launch Schedule">{{cite web|title=NASA Launch Schedule and NASA|url=http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>


The Progress M is essentially the same spacecraft as the Progress, but it features improvements based on the ] and ] designs. It can spend up to 30 days in autonomous flight and is able to carry {{cvt|100|kg}} more. Also, unlike the old Progress crafts, it can return items to ]. This is accomplished by using the ] capsule, which can carry up to {{cvt|150|kg}} of cargo. It is {{cvt|1.5|m}} long and {{cvt|60|cm}} in diameter and has a "]" of {{cvt|350|kg}}. Progress M can also dock to the forward port of the station and still transfer fuel. It uses the same ] as the Soyuz, and it features solar panels for the first time. The last launch was of ] on 24 November 2021. The Progress M is essentially the same spacecraft as the Progress, but it features improvements based on the ] and ] designs. It can spend up to 30 days in autonomous flight and is able to carry {{cvt|100|kg}} more. Also, unlike the old Progress crafts, it can return items to ]. This is accomplished by using the ] capsule, which can carry up to {{cvt|150|kg}} of cargo. It is {{cvt|1.5|m}} long and {{cvt|60|cm}} in diameter and has a "]" of {{cvt|350|kg}}. Progress M can also dock to the forward port of the station and still transfer fuel. It uses the same ] as the Soyuz, and it features solar panels for the first time.


* Launch mass: {{cvt|7130|kg}} * Launch mass: {{cvt|7130|kg}}
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* Solar array span: {{cvt|10.6|m}} * Solar array span: {{cvt|10.6|m}}


In addition to the traditional Progress-M spacecraft, three modified "]" versions were built to deliver modules to the ISS. These variants lacked a pressurized cargo section and had a heavily modified tanker section. ] delivered '']'' in 2001, ] delivered '']'' in 2009 and ] delivered '']'' in 2021.
⚫ === Progress-М 11F615A60 (2008–2015) ===
⚫ {{main|Progress-M}}


⚫ === Progress M 11F615A60 (2008–2015) ===
A new modification of the Progress spacecraft, with new TsVM-101 digital flight computer and MBITS digital telemetry system,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/progress-m-m.htm |title=Progress M-01M - 25M (11F615A60, 7KTGM)|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|last=Krebs|first=Gunter|access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> was first launched on 26 November 2008, at 12:38 UTC from the Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome spaceport aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The first spacecraft of this series was ].
]
⚫ {{main|Progress M}}


The spacecraft belongs to the so-called 400 series (]: 11F615A60), and all modifications applied to it were subsequently used in the production of new ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/soyuz-tma-m.htm|title=Soyuz-TMA 01M - 16M (7K-STMA, 11F747)|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|first=Gunter|last=Krebs|access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> crewed spacecraft. A new modification of the Progress spacecraft, with new TsVM-101 digital flight computer and MBITS digital telemetry system,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/progress-m-m.htm |title=Progress M-01M – 25M (11F615A60, 7KTGM)|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|last=Krebs|first=Gunter|access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> was first launched on 26 November 2008, at 12:38 UTC from the Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome spaceport aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The first spacecraft of this series was ].


The spacecraft belongs to the so-called 400 series (]: 11F615A60), and all modifications applied to it were subsequently used in the production of new ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/soyuz-tma-m.htm|title=Soyuz-TMA 01M – 16M (7K-STMA, 11F747)|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|first=Gunter|last=Krebs|access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> crewed spacecraft.
⚫ ] was launched on 28 April 2015, but communication with the vessel was lost soon after, and it was destroyed as it re-entered the atmosphere on 8 May 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.federalspace.ru/21474/|title=РОСКОСМОС: ТГК "ПРОГРЕСС М-27М" ПРЕКРАТИЛ СУЩЕСТВОВАНИЕ|date=8 May 2015|publisher=Federal Space|access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref> The last launch was ].

⚫ ] was launched on 28 April 2015, but communication with the vessel was lost soon after, and it was destroyed as it re-entered the atmosphere on 8 May 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.federalspace.ru/21474/|title=РОСКОСМОС: ТГК "ПРОГРЕСС М-27М" ПРЕКРАТИЛ СУЩЕСТВОВАНИЕ|date=8 May 2015|publisher=Federal Space|access-date=15 December 2015|archive-date=8 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508073747/http://www.federalspace.ru/21474/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The last launch was ].


=== Progress M1 (2000–2004) === === Progress M1 (2000–2004) ===
{{main|Progress-M1}} {{main|Progress M1}}


'''Progress M1''' is another variant, capable of carrying more propellant (but less total cargo) to the space station. There have been 11 of these flights. '''Progress M1''' is another variant, capable of carrying more propellant (but less total cargo) to the ISS. There have been 11 of these flights.


* Mass: {{cvt|7150|kg}} * Mass: {{cvt|7150|kg}}
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=== Progress MS (2015–present) === === Progress MS (2015–present) ===
{{anchor|Progress MS}} {{main|Progress MS}}
Progress MS (Modernized Systems) is an improved variant, largely focused on replacing pieces of outdated analogue equipment, many of which were no longer in production, with new digital systems. Key updates include a new flight control system, the new ] rendezvous system, a new communications and telemetry system, additional micro-meteoroid protection, an improved ], a digital camera system, and a ] deployment platform. The first Progress MS flight launched on ].<ref name="RSW20151221">{{cite web|url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/progress-ms.html|title=Progress-MS|publisher=RussianSpaceWeb.com|first1=Anatoly|last1=Zak|date=16 November 2018|access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref>

'''Progress MS''' is an improved variant which first launched on ]. It has the following improvements:<ref name="Tsenkinews-20150810"/><ref name="GunterProgress-MS"/><ref name="RSW20151221"/><ref name="SF101-ProgressMS"/>

* New external compartment that enables it to deploy satellites. Each compartment can hold up to four launch containers. First time installed on ].
* Enhanced redundancy thanks to the addition of a backup system of electrical motors for the docking and sealing mechanism.
* Improved ] (MMOD) protection with additional panels in the cargo compartment.
* ] ]n ] link capabilities enable telemetry and control even when not in direct view of ground radio stations.
* ] autonomous navigation enables real time determination of the status vector and orbital parameters dispensing with the need of ground station orbit determination.
* Real time relative navigation thanks to direct radio data exchange capabilities with the space station.
* New digital radio that enables enhanced TV camera view for the docking operations.
* The ] Chezara Kvant-V on board radio system and antenna/feeder system has been replaced with a '''Unified Command Telemetry System (UCTS)'''.
* Replacement of the ] with ] digital system.


== Current status == == Current status ==
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On 9 July 2018, ] broke a previous record by reaching the ISS in 3 hours and 48 minutes, carrying about {{cvt|2450|kg}} of cargo and supplies. It delivered food, fuel and supplies, including 705 kg of propellant, {{cvt|50|kg}} of oxygen and air, {{cvt|420|kg}} of water. On 9 July 2018, ] broke a previous record by reaching the ISS in 3 hours and 48 minutes, carrying about {{cvt|2450|kg}} of cargo and supplies. It delivered food, fuel and supplies, including 705 kg of propellant, {{cvt|50|kg}} of oxygen and air, {{cvt|420|kg}} of water.


The ] (ESA) operated its own type of robotic supply freighter, the ] (ATV). The first of these, named ], was launched at 04:03 ] on 9 March 2008. ATVs can carry up to 8.85 ]s of cargo into space, roughly three times as much as the Progress, and were launched annually by ] rockets from 2011-2014 as part of ESA contribution to ISS upkeep. The design is adopted as the ] of the ] spacecraft. The ] (ESA) operated its own type of robotic supply freighter, the ] (ATV). The first of these, named ], was launched at 04:03 ] on 9 March 2008. ATVs can carry up to 8.85 ]s of cargo into space, roughly three times as much as the Progress, and were launched annually by ] rockets from 2011-2014 as part of ESA contribution to ISS upkeep. The design is adopted as the ] of the ].


]'s planned ] was initially designed to have an uncrewed variant of the Crew module similar to Progress; however, this capability was removed in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/07/constellation-top-risks-orion-loses-unmanned-capability/|title=Constellation battle numerous Top Risks – Orion loses unmanned capability|date=4 July 2009 |author=Chris Bergin|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> SpaceX's ] ] spacecraft and ] ] spacecraft also handle American logistics to the International Space Station. ]'s planned ] was initially designed to have an uncrewed variant of the Crew module similar to Progress; however, this capability was removed in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/07/constellation-top-risks-orion-loses-unmanned-capability/|title=Constellation battle numerous Top Risks – Orion loses unmanned capability|date=4 July 2009 |author=Chris Bergin|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> As of 2023, SpaceX's ] and Northrop Grumman's ] handle American logistics to the International Space Station.


<gallery widths="180px" heights="220px"> <gallery widths="180px" heights="220px">
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== References == == References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs= {{Reflist}}

<ref name="GunterProgress-MS">{{cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/progress-ms.htm|title=Progress-MS 01-19|work=Gunter's Space Page|first1=Gunter|last1=Krebs|date=1 December 2015|access-date=16 November 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="RSW20151221">{{cite web|url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/progress-ms.html|title=Progress-MS|publisher=RussianSpaceWeb.com|first1=Anatoly|last1=Zak|date=16 November 2018|access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="SF101-ProgressMS">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflight101.com/spacecraft/progress-ms/|title=Progress MS Spacecraft|first=Patrick|last=Blau|publisher=Spaceflight101.com|access-date=17 November 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="Tsenkinews-20150810">{{cite web|url=http://www.tsenki.com/en/news/news_tsenki/?ELEMENT_ID=128142|title=Upgraded Progress Transport Cargo Spacecraft Getting Ready for Launch|publisher=Yuzhny Space Center|date=10 August 2015|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref>
}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{Commons category|Progress (spacecraft)|Progress}} {{Commons category|Progress (spacecraft)|Progress}}
* — ] page discussing the Progress spacecraft, updated May 2005 * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504154807/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/progress.html |date=4 May 2021 }} – ] page discussing the Progress spacecraft, updated May 2005
* —History, photos and details at RussianSpaceWeb.com * – History, photos and details at RussianSpaceWeb.com


{{Portal bar|Spaceflight}} {{Portal bar|Spaceflight}}

Latest revision as of 22:03, 29 November 2024

Russian expendable freighter spacecraft

Progress
Progress MS-11 spacecraft in space
Country of originSoviet Union / Russia
OperatorRoscosmos
Applications
  • Cargo resupply
Specifications
Spacecraft typeCargo
Payload capacity2,400 kg (5,300 lb)
Volume7.6 m (270 cu ft)
Design life180 days docked to a space station
Dimensions
Length7.23 m (23.7 ft)
Diameter2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
Production
On order8
Built182
Operational2 (MS-28, MS-29)
Retired177
Lost3 (M-12M, M-27M, MS‑04)

The Progress (Russian: Прогресс) is a Russian expendable cargo spacecraft. Originally developed for the Soviet space program and derived from the crewed Soyuz spacecraft, Progress has been instrumental in maintaining long-duration space missions by providing consumables like food, water, and air, as well as maintenance equipment. Since its maiden flight in 1978, Progress has supported various space stations, including Salyut 6, Salyut 7, and Mir, and remains a key resupply vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS).

Each Progress mission delivers thousands of kilograms of supplies in its pressurized module. It also carries water, fuel, and gases to replenish the station's resources and sustain its onboard atmosphere. Beyond resupply duties, a docked Progress can maneuver or reboost the station, countering atmospheric drag and maintaining its operational altitude. When a Progress spacecraft nears the end of its design life, it is loaded with waste, undocked, and deorbited to safely disintegrate in Earth's atmosphere.

As of November 2024, there have been 182 Progress flights, with only three failures, all occurring between 2011 and 2016. Typically, three to four Progress flights are launched to the ISS each year. Due to the variation in Progress vehicles flown to the ISS, NASA uses its own nomenclature where "ISS 1P" means the first Progress spacecraft to ISS.

Design

The Progress spacecraft shares much of design with the crewed Soyuz spacecraft but with several modifications to make it better suited to cargo transport. It consists of three distinct sections:

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

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

Versions

Five major variants of the Progress spacecraft have been flown so far: Progress 7K-TG (1978–1990), Progress M 11F615A55 (1989–2009), Progress M1 (2000–2004), Progress M 11F615A60 (2008–2015) and Progress MS (since 2015).

In addition, three custom Progress M variants were launched to deliver ISS modules Pirs in 2001, Poisk in 2009 and Prichal in 2021.

Progress 7K-TG (1978–1990)

Main article: Progress 7K-TG
Progress logistics resupply spacecraft. It consists of the dry cargo module (left); the tanker compartment (center); and a stretched service module (right).

There were 42 spacecraft built using the initial Progress design, the last one being launched in May 1990.

The bureau in charge of designing the freighter was TsKBEM (now RKK Energia). They began work on the design in mid-1973, assigning Progress the GRAU index 11F615A15. The design was complete by February 1974, and the first production model was ready for launch in November 1977. Progress 1 launched on 20 January 1978 aboard the same rocket used to launch the Soyuz. It still featured the same launch shroud as the Soyuz, though this was purely for aerodynamic purposes as the launch escape system had been deactivated.

This first version of Progress had a mass of 7,020 kg (15,480 lb) and carried 2,300 kg (5,100 lb) of cargo, or 30% of its launch mass. It had the same diameter as the Soyuz at 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in), but was 8 m (26 ft) in length – slightly longer. The autonomous flight time was 3 days, the same time as that of the Soyuz ferry. It could spend 30 days docked. Progress always docked to the aft port of the station it was resupplying (the aft being where the main rocket engines of the station and their tankage, for refueling by the Progress, are located).

  • Launch mass: 7,020–7,249 kg (15,476–15,981 lb)
  • Mass of cargo:
    • ~2,300 kg (5,100 lb) (before Progress-24)
    • ~2,500 kg (5,500 lb) (from Progress-24)
  • Length: 7.94 m (26.0 ft)
  • Diameter of cargo modules: 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)
  • Maximum diameter: 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
  • Volume of cargo compartment: 6.6 m (230 cu ft)

Progress M 11F615A55 (1989–2009)

Main article: Progress M
Diagram of exterior of the Progress M
Diagram of interior of the Progress M

The upgraded Progress M (GRAU: 11F615A55, manufacturer's designation: 7K-TGM) was first launched in August 1989. The first 43 flights all went to Mir; following Mir's re-entry, Progress was used as the resupply vehicle for the International Space Station. As of December 2020, there have been over 80 flights (over different configurations) to the ISS and more are scheduled.

The Progress M is essentially the same spacecraft as the Progress, but it features improvements based on the Soyuz-T and Soyuz-TM designs. It can spend up to 30 days in autonomous flight and is able to carry 100 kg (220 lb) more. Also, unlike the old Progress crafts, it can return items to Earth. This is accomplished by using the VBK-Raduga capsule, which can carry up to 150 kg (330 lb) of cargo. It is 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) long and 60 cm (24 in) in diameter and has a "dry mass" of 350 kg (770 lb). Progress M can also dock to the forward port of the station and still transfer fuel. It uses the same rendezvous system as the Soyuz, and it features solar panels for the first time.

  • Launch mass: 7,130 kg (15,720 lb)
  • Cargo mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb)
  • Dry cargo mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb)
  • Liquid cargo mass: 1,540 kg (3,400 lb)
  • Length: 7.23 m (23.7 ft)
  • Diameter of cargo modules: 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)
  • Maximum diameter: 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
  • Dry cargo compartment volume: 7.6 m (270 cu ft)
  • Solar array span: 10.6 m (35 ft)

In addition to the traditional Progress-M spacecraft, three modified "space tug" versions were built to deliver modules to the ISS. These variants lacked a pressurized cargo section and had a heavily modified tanker section. Progress DC-1 delivered Pirs in 2001, Progress M-MIM2 delivered Poisk in 2009 and Progress M-UM delivered Prichal in 2021.

Progress M 11F615A60 (2008–2015)

Interior of a Progress cargo section
Main article: Progress M

A new modification of the Progress spacecraft, with new TsVM-101 digital flight computer and MBITS digital telemetry system, was first launched on 26 November 2008, at 12:38 UTC from the Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome spaceport aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The first spacecraft of this series was Progress M-01M.

The spacecraft belongs to the so-called 400 series (GRAU: 11F615A60), and all modifications applied to it were subsequently used in the production of new Soyuz TMA-01M crewed spacecraft.

Progress M-27M was launched on 28 April 2015, but communication with the vessel was lost soon after, and it was destroyed as it re-entered the atmosphere on 8 May 2015. The last launch was Progress M-29M.

Progress M1 (2000–2004)

Main article: Progress M1

Progress M1 is another variant, capable of carrying more propellant (but less total cargo) to the ISS. There have been 11 of these flights.

  • Mass: 7,150 kg (15,760 lb)
  • Capacity cargo: 2,230 kg (4,920 lb)
  • Capacity dry cargo: 1,800 kg (4,000 lb)
  • Capacity propellant: 1,950 kg (4,300 lb)

Progress M2

Progress M2 was a planned variant, which was a proposed design for the proposed Mir-2 space station, but was dropped due to financial issues. The M2 variant would have a larger service module for larger cargo or space station modules and would have been launched on a Zenit rocket as the spacecraft is bigger.

Progress MS (2015–present)

Main article: Progress MS

Progress MS (Modernized Systems) is an improved variant, largely focused on replacing pieces of outdated analogue equipment, many of which were no longer in production, with new digital systems. Key updates include a new flight control system, the new Kurs-NA rendezvous system, a new communications and telemetry system, additional micro-meteoroid protection, an improved docking mechanism, a digital camera system, and a CubeSat deployment platform. The first Progress MS flight launched on 21 December 2015.

Current status

Progress spacecraft are used to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) as of 2021. Between 1 February 2003 and 26 July 2005, they were the only spacecraft available to transport large quantities of supplies to the station, as the Space Shuttle fleet was grounded after the breakup of Columbia at the end of STS-107. For ISS missions, the Progress M1 variant is used, which moves the water tanks from the propellant and refueling module to the pressurized section, and as a result is able to carry more propellant. Progress M-UM, the final flight of a Progress-M spacecraft, was launched 24 November 2021 on a Soyuz 2.1b. As of 7/1/2021, there have been 170 Progress flights to the ISS.

On 9 July 2018, Progress MS-09 broke a previous record by reaching the ISS in 3 hours and 48 minutes, carrying about 2,450 kg (5,400 lb) of cargo and supplies. It delivered food, fuel and supplies, including 705 kg of propellant, 50 kg (110 lb) of oxygen and air, 420 kg (930 lb) of water.

The European Space Agency (ESA) operated its own type of robotic supply freighter, the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). The first of these, named Jules Verne, was launched at 04:03 UTC on 9 March 2008. ATVs can carry up to 8.85 tonnes of cargo into space, roughly three times as much as the Progress, and were launched annually by Ariane 5 rockets from 2011-2014 as part of ESA contribution to ISS upkeep. The design is adopted as the Service Module of the Orion spacecraft.

NASA's planned Orion spacecraft was initially designed to have an uncrewed variant of the Crew module similar to Progress; however, this capability was removed in 2009. As of 2023, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft and Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft handle American logistics to the International Space Station.

See also

Notes

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

References

  1. "Progress cargo ship". www.russianspaceweb.com. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  2. "NASA Launch Schedule and NASA". Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. Krebs, Gunter. "Progress M-01M – 25M (11F615A60, 7KTGM)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  4. Krebs, Gunter. "Soyuz-TMA 01M – 16M (7K-STMA, 11F747)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  5. "РОСКОСМОС: ТГК "ПРОГРЕСС М-27М" ПРЕКРАТИЛ СУЩЕСТВОВАНИЕ". Federal Space. 8 May 2015. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  6. Zak, Anatoly (16 November 2018). "Progress-MS". RussianSpaceWeb.com. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  7. Chris Bergin (4 July 2009). "Constellation battle numerous Top Risks – Orion loses unmanned capability". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 29 March 2013.

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