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Progress M-17M Mission Updates
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Progress M-17M completes its Mission with Destructive Re-Entry
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April 21, 2013
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Photo: NASA/Roscosmos
Photo: NASA/Roscosmos
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The Progress M-17M Spacecraft that undocked from the International Space Station back on Monday, April 15, has ended its mission via destructive re-entry on Sunday. Progress M-17 spent six days in free flight to support the Radar-Progress Experiment. On Sunday, the vehicle performed its deorbit burn and re-entered the atmosphere to put an end to a successful mission.
The spacecraft completed a successful five-and-a-half-month ISS resupply flight during which it delivered a total of 2,397 Kilograms of cargo to ISS including 1,247kg of dry cargo. Over the course of its docked mission, the vehicle was loaded with trash for a fiery trip back to Earth. Progress M-17M performed a successful undocking on Monday and entered an independent orbit on Monday to start its free flight. This portion of the mission was dedicated to the Radar-Progress Experiment that has been conducted on several previous flights, the most recent being Progress M-15M in 2012. This is a geophysical experiment that assesses the density, size and reflectivity of the ionosphere environment around the spacecraft - caused by engine burns the vehicle makes. Plasma Distortions caused by engine burns are spread over several kilometers around the Spacecraft and can be present for more than 10 minutes. These engine maneuvers were made while the Vehicle was tracked by the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISZF), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Irkutsk). Data on ionosphere irregularities, reflection characteristics of the cargo vehicle and VHF signal and its distortions, have been acquired as the vehicle passed over the Tracking Station. A total of six experiment sessions were performed over the course of the Free Flight. The Experiment is being conducted on several Progress Missions from 2010 through 2014. |
On Sunday, April 21, Progress M-17M completed its deorbit burn at 14:07 UTC to place itself on a trajectory to intercept the atmosphere for destructive re-entry. The spacecraft broke up and fragments burned up in the atmosphere. Any surviving debris crashed in the Pacific Ocean at 15:02 UTC on Sunday – away from any populated land masses.
The next Progress to fly to ISS, Progress M-19M, is currently being readied for its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday.
The next Progress to fly to ISS, Progress M-19M, is currently being readied for its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday.
Progress M-17M departs ISS for Free Flight & Re-Entry
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April 15, 2013
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Progress M-17M, or 49P in the US numbering system, has departed the International Space Station as planned on Monday - ending a busy ISS resupply flight and beginning a short free flight before putting an ultimate end to its mission on Sunday.
Progress M-17M launched back on October 31, 2012 and was the second Progress Flight to perform an expedited 4-Orbit Rendezvous with ISS - making a successful docking to the Zvezda Service Module just 5 hours and 52 minutes after launch. Over the past five months, ISS crew members moved supplies delivered by the vehicle to ISS. Propellant transfers to ISS tanks and ISS repressurizations as well as Station Reboosts were completed and the cargo module was loaded with ISS trash and no longer needed items for disposal. Progress M-17M delivered a total of 2,397 Kilograms of cargo to ISS including 1,247kg of dry cargo. Undocking preparations were completed over the last two weeks by the three Russian crew members of ISS leading to Monday's undocking. Physical separation occurred at 12:02 UTC while ISS was flying over northern China. Progress M-17M was pushed away from ISS by the springs of the docking system and slowly departed the station. Three minutes after undocking, Progress M-17M conducted a short 0.6-m/s departure burn to rapidly leave the vicinity of the station. More burns will follow to place the Progress in its independent orbit where it will fly for six days in support of the Radar Progress Experiment. |
*File Image* - Photo: NASA
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Radar Progress is a geophysical experiment that assesses the density, size and reflectivity of the ionosphere environment around the spacecraft - caused by engine burns the vehicle makes. Plasma Distortions caused by engine burns are spread over several kilometers around the Spacecraft and can be present for more than 10 minutes. These engine maneuvers are made while the Vehicle is being tracked by the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISZF), Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Irkutsk). Data on ionosphere irregularities, reflection characteristics of the cargo vehicle and VHF signal and its distortions, will be acquired as the vehicle passes over the Tracking Station. The Experiment is being conducted on several Progress Missions from 2010 through 2014.
On Sunday, April 21, 2013, at 14:07 UTC, Progress M-17M will fire its KTDU-80 main propulsion system with its S5.80 engine for about three minutes to perform a retrograde deorbit burn. The spacecraft will re-enter the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean with surviving fragments crashing in the ocean – away from populated areas.
Monday’s undocking cleared the Zvezda aft docking port which will be used by the next Progress to fly to ISS. Progress M-19M will launch on April 24 and dock to Zvezda two days later after a nominal 34-Orbit Rendezvous. For a launch on the 22nd, an expedited rendezvous would be possible but this launch date conflicts with the upcoming Bion-M1 launch on April 19. For Soyuz launches out of Baikonur, a four-day interval is required due to Soyuz launch personnel limitations.
On Sunday, April 21, 2013, at 14:07 UTC, Progress M-17M will fire its KTDU-80 main propulsion system with its S5.80 engine for about three minutes to perform a retrograde deorbit burn. The spacecraft will re-enter the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean with surviving fragments crashing in the ocean – away from populated areas.
Monday’s undocking cleared the Zvezda aft docking port which will be used by the next Progress to fly to ISS. Progress M-19M will launch on April 24 and dock to Zvezda two days later after a nominal 34-Orbit Rendezvous. For a launch on the 22nd, an expedited rendezvous would be possible but this launch date conflicts with the upcoming Bion-M1 launch on April 19. For Soyuz launches out of Baikonur, a four-day interval is required due to Soyuz launch personnel limitations.
Progress M-17M prepares to Undock from Space Station on Monday
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April 11, 2013
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*File Image* - Photo: NASA
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The Progress M-17M Spacecraft currently docked to the Zvezda Module of the International Space Station is preparing to depart ISS to complete its mission that began back in October 2012.
Progress M-17M is scheduled to depart ISS on Monday to begin several days of free flight before ending its mission via destructive re-entry. The spacecraft made an expedited Rendezvous with ISS on October 31, 2012 and delivered a total of 2,397kg of ISS supplies to ISS. This cargo included 1,247kg of dry cargo, 683kg of fuel for transfer to ISS, 28kg of Oxygen and 19kg of air to repressurize the Space Station, and 420kg of water. The dry cargo consisted of 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. |
In addition, Progress M-17M was carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M delivered Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials were delivered to support a number of Russian studies.
Over the course of its 5.5-month stay, the cargo compartment was unloaded by the crew members that also filled water containers and performed ISS Repressurizations from Progress tankage. Propellants were transferred to the Station’s tanks and Progress M-17M conducted several Space Station Reboosts, making use of additional propellants in its own tanks. As the vehicle approached the end of its stay, it was loaded with trash and no-longer needed items that it will take on a fiery trip back to Earth.
Preparations for the departure of Progress M-17M took place this week aboard ISS as the Russian crew members completed final vehicle close-outs and transfer operations. On Tuesday, the vehicle was activated, air ducts were removed and the hatchway was outfitted for undocking. Later, Roman Romanenko and Pavel Vinogradov closed the hatches to the Progress and completed standard leak checks.
Progress M-17M will remain attached to ISS until Monday. Undocking is planned for 12:03 UTC. After performing departure burns and leaving the vicinity of ISS, Progress M-17M will enter an independent orbit to perform a 6-day free flight dedicated to the Radar Progress Experiment.
Progress M-17M will end its mission on April 21 by performing a targeted, destructive re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
Over the course of its 5.5-month stay, the cargo compartment was unloaded by the crew members that also filled water containers and performed ISS Repressurizations from Progress tankage. Propellants were transferred to the Station’s tanks and Progress M-17M conducted several Space Station Reboosts, making use of additional propellants in its own tanks. As the vehicle approached the end of its stay, it was loaded with trash and no-longer needed items that it will take on a fiery trip back to Earth.
Preparations for the departure of Progress M-17M took place this week aboard ISS as the Russian crew members completed final vehicle close-outs and transfer operations. On Tuesday, the vehicle was activated, air ducts were removed and the hatchway was outfitted for undocking. Later, Roman Romanenko and Pavel Vinogradov closed the hatches to the Progress and completed standard leak checks.
Progress M-17M will remain attached to ISS until Monday. Undocking is planned for 12:03 UTC. After performing departure burns and leaving the vicinity of ISS, Progress M-17M will enter an independent orbit to perform a 6-day free flight dedicated to the Radar Progress Experiment.
Progress M-17M will end its mission on April 21 by performing a targeted, destructive re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
Progress M-17M Docks to ISS under six Hours after Blastoff
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October 31, 2012
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The Russian Progress M-17M Resupply Spacecraft has arrived at the International Space Station, successfully performing the second Same-Day-Rendezvous in ISS history. Progress M-17M blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday at 7:41 UTC, being delivered to orbit in less than nine minutes to start the 4-Orbit Rendezvous Sequence, that could soon be a part of manned flights to the Space Station. Progress M-17M docked to the Zvezda Module of the Space Station at 13:33 UTC.
After being delivered to its 193.75 by 245.34-Kilometer Orbit, trailing 3,500 Kilometers behind ISS, but catching up fast, Progress M-17M performed a total of four Main Propulsion System Burns over the first two orbits of its journey. The first and largest dV burn came just 43 minutes after launch, changing the spacecraft’s velocity by 25.5m/s and raising its orbital altitude to nearly 300 Kilometers. Three burns were completed during the second orbit of the vehicle, one with a Delta-V of 19.5m/s that was performed at 9:07 UTC and two 7-m/s burns that came at around 9:45 and 10:17 UTC, respectively and placed the Progress onto a trajectory to begin its automated Rendezvous Sequence that was initiated at 11:15 UTC. During the Rendezvous Sequence, Progress performed more burns and rendezvous impulses to enter the proximity of the Space Station. With more than 90 minutes to go, the KURS Systems of the Space Station and the Progress were activated to provide navigation data. At a Range of 15 Kilometers, the standard KURS short test was performed showing that the system was providing valid Range and Range Rate Data. The TV System was activated at 8 Kilometers and the vehicle continued its approach. Aboard the International Space Station, Yuri Malenchenko was standing by at the TORU Controls when the vehicle came close to ISS to assume control over the spacecraft at the first indication of a problem with its navigation system and dock the vehicle manually. |
*File Image* - Photo: NASA
*File Image* - Photo: NASA
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Correct TORU Commanding was verified when Progress was inside 9 Kilometers to ISS. The other two crew members were assisting Malenchenko and acquired engineering footage of the vehicle.
When reaching a distance of 300 meters to ISS, Progress M-17M initiated its Flyaround, performing a slow lap around the complex to align itself with the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Once the Flyaround was complete, Progress M-17M entered Stationkeeping at a range of 180 meters. When pausing its approach, Mission Controllers in Russia verified systems performance as well as alignment with the docking port. About 8 minutes ahead of the timeline, after an abbreviated Stationkeeping, the Final Approach Command was sent and Progress M-17M fired its thrusters to resume its approach. Stationkeeping was shortened due to good alignment leading to an early arrival of Progress M-17M. Final Approach was nominal, the vehicle maintained good alignment and reduced its velocity to a gentle docking speed of 0.1 meters per second and retracted its KURS antenna just before docking.
At 13:33 UTC, Contact and Capture occurred while the Space Station was flying above Bogota, Columbia - marking the arrival of Progress M-17M after its express Rendezvous, demonstrating this technique for the second time after Progress M-16M had also performed an expedited Rendezvous back in August 2012. Progress M-17M docked just 5 hours and 52 minutes after blasting off.
This new, fast rendezvous profile could be used on future Progress and Soyuz Vehicles and cut a significant amount of free flight time. At present, the nominal flight profile calls for 34 Rendezvous Orbits (51.6 hours from launch to docking). This reduction of free flight time could be useful for Cargo Missions making it easier to transport time-critical experiment payloads to the International Space Station. For Soyuz Missions, the expedited Rendezvous would allow crews to reach the comforts of ISS faster. It is known that the 2-day ride inside the confined space of the Soyuz Vehicle can be stressful for the crew members. Also, a short nominal mission can extend timelines used in case of problems during the Rendezvous. For Soyuz, a total of two additional contingency life support days could be gained by shortening the primary nominal mission timeline. in addition, short-notice contingency flights to the Space Station become possible with a 6-hour Launch-To-Docking profile. The Space Station Program is currently evaluating this Rendezvous Profile for use by manned Soyuz Spacecraft as early as 2013.
When reaching a distance of 300 meters to ISS, Progress M-17M initiated its Flyaround, performing a slow lap around the complex to align itself with the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Once the Flyaround was complete, Progress M-17M entered Stationkeeping at a range of 180 meters. When pausing its approach, Mission Controllers in Russia verified systems performance as well as alignment with the docking port. About 8 minutes ahead of the timeline, after an abbreviated Stationkeeping, the Final Approach Command was sent and Progress M-17M fired its thrusters to resume its approach. Stationkeeping was shortened due to good alignment leading to an early arrival of Progress M-17M. Final Approach was nominal, the vehicle maintained good alignment and reduced its velocity to a gentle docking speed of 0.1 meters per second and retracted its KURS antenna just before docking.
At 13:33 UTC, Contact and Capture occurred while the Space Station was flying above Bogota, Columbia - marking the arrival of Progress M-17M after its express Rendezvous, demonstrating this technique for the second time after Progress M-16M had also performed an expedited Rendezvous back in August 2012. Progress M-17M docked just 5 hours and 52 minutes after blasting off.
This new, fast rendezvous profile could be used on future Progress and Soyuz Vehicles and cut a significant amount of free flight time. At present, the nominal flight profile calls for 34 Rendezvous Orbits (51.6 hours from launch to docking). This reduction of free flight time could be useful for Cargo Missions making it easier to transport time-critical experiment payloads to the International Space Station. For Soyuz Missions, the expedited Rendezvous would allow crews to reach the comforts of ISS faster. It is known that the 2-day ride inside the confined space of the Soyuz Vehicle can be stressful for the crew members. Also, a short nominal mission can extend timelines used in case of problems during the Rendezvous. For Soyuz, a total of two additional contingency life support days could be gained by shortening the primary nominal mission timeline. in addition, short-notice contingency flights to the Space Station become possible with a 6-hour Launch-To-Docking profile. The Space Station Program is currently evaluating this Rendezvous Profile for use by manned Soyuz Spacecraft as early as 2013.
*File Image* - Photo: NASA
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Following the arrival of the Progress, operations to form a hard mate between the two spacecraft got underway. After the Docking Probe was retracted and hooks and latches were closed, and a hard-mate was confirmed between the Docking Compartment and the Progress, the Crew will start several hours of leak checks before opening hatches. After hatch opening, the interior of the Spacecraft will be outfitted to be ready for its docked mission. The crew members will deactivate the Soyuz and start cargo transfer operations, moving time-critical samples to the International Space Station and its experiment facilities. Progress M-17M is planned to remain docked to the Zvezda Module for nearly six months with its departure currently penciled in for mid- to late-April 2013.
Progress M-17M will be used to resupply ISS, serve as a storage closet for various equipment during its long stay and pick up ISS trash towards the end of its mission for disposal via destructive re-entry. |
Progress M-17M will deliver 2,397kg of ISS supplies. This cargo includes 1,247kg of dry cargo, 683kg of fuel for transfer to ISS, 28kg of Oxygen and 19kg of air to repressurize the Space Station, and 420kg of water.
The dry cargo includes 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. In addition, Progress M-17M is carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M will deliver Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials will be delivered that will be used to support a number of Russian studies.
Photos: Progress M-17M Rendezvous
The dry cargo includes 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. In addition, Progress M-17M is carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M will deliver Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials will be delivered that will be used to support a number of Russian studies.
Photos: Progress M-17M Rendezvous
4 Russian Visiting Vehicles - Current ISS Configuration
Image: NASA
Progress M-17M starts expedited Rendezvous after flawless Launch
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October 31, 2012
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*File Image* - Photo: Energia
*File Image* - Photo: Energia
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A Russian Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle blasted off from Launch Pad 1/5 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday at 7:41 UTC carrying Progress M-17M to Orbit for a 4-Orbit Rendezvous with the International Space Station to set the stage for a busy resupply mission.
Countdown Operations got underway as planned after Rollout and nominal On-Pad Procedures were completed at the Cosmodrome and the Launch Complex. Prior to fueling, the State Commission met to conduct a final Systems Review. A GO for fueling was given and the tanking process got underway after the 6-hour countdown sequence started. The Soyuz and Progress completed a final round of pre-launch testing while fueling was underway. During the Countdown Process, no problems were reported and the Automated Sequence of the Launch Countdown started on time at 7:35 UTC - making final vehicle re-configurations to place the Rocket in its final Launch Configuration. Liftoff occurred on time at precisely 7:41:19 UTC and the Soyuz-U Launcher blasted off powered by its Core Stage and four strap-on Boosters each equipped with a RD-107 engine. At liftoff the four RD-107 and single RD-108 of the Core Stage provide a total thrust of 4,140 Kilonewtons. As the 310,000-Kilogram Launcher made its initial ascent, it performed its pitch maneuver to align itself with the precise ascent trajectory planned for this mission. 118 seconds after blastoff, the boosters burned out having consumed more than 38,000 Kilograms of propellants each. The Core Stage continued powered flight until T+4:58 when it shut down and separated from the launcher. Soyuz staging is accomplished by igniting the Upper Stage Engine and initiate pyrotechnic separation bolts at the same time with engine exhaust of the third stage pushing the Core Stage away. Operation of the third stage and its RD-0110 Engine was normal during its 3-minute 58-second Burn. Ascent was completed nominally and spacecraft separation occurred just four seconds after shutdown. |
After spacecraft separation, the Progress deployed its Solar Arrays and Communications Antennas to complete Orbital Insertion and start its Mission to resupply the Space Station. The target insertion orbit was 193 by 245 Kilometers with an inclination of 51.66 degrees.
Progress M-17M will not waste any time and begin its Rendezvous profile during its first orbit around Earth to link up with the Space Station later on Wednesday. After Orbital Insertion 9 minutes after blastoff, Progress M-17M does not get a break as it makes its expedited rendezvous with the International Space Station for docking 4 Orbits after launch instead of the usual 34 Rendezvous Orbits.
At T+49 minutes 27 seconds, the Progress will ignite its Main Propulsion System for perform the first in a series of Rendezvous Burns. The first burn is 64 seconds in duration and changes the vehicle’s velocity by 25.46m/s. During its second lap around Earth, Progress M-17M has to make three Rendezvous Burns. The first of those has a delta-V of 19.5m/s and begins at 9:08 UTC. Two more burns will each have a delta-V of 7.0m/s and occur at 10:17 and 11:15 UTC, respectively. These burns will place the vehicle on a trajectory to begin its automated Rendezvous Sequence during which three more Rendezvous Burns will be performed along with a number of Trajectory Corrections.
Progress M-17M will not waste any time and begin its Rendezvous profile during its first orbit around Earth to link up with the Space Station later on Wednesday. After Orbital Insertion 9 minutes after blastoff, Progress M-17M does not get a break as it makes its expedited rendezvous with the International Space Station for docking 4 Orbits after launch instead of the usual 34 Rendezvous Orbits.
At T+49 minutes 27 seconds, the Progress will ignite its Main Propulsion System for perform the first in a series of Rendezvous Burns. The first burn is 64 seconds in duration and changes the vehicle’s velocity by 25.46m/s. During its second lap around Earth, Progress M-17M has to make three Rendezvous Burns. The first of those has a delta-V of 19.5m/s and begins at 9:08 UTC. Two more burns will each have a delta-V of 7.0m/s and occur at 10:17 and 11:15 UTC, respectively. These burns will place the vehicle on a trajectory to begin its automated Rendezvous Sequence during which three more Rendezvous Burns will be performed along with a number of Trajectory Corrections.
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While approaching ISS, Progress M-17M activates its KURS Navigation System at 12:03 UTC followed by testing of the system to make sure it provides valid navigation data used for the automated docking. The TORU System will also be active and in standby mode. The Crew of ISS will be supporting the Rendezvous and Docking by monitoring the vehicle and acquiring engineering footage. ISS crew members Yuri Malenchenko and Oleg Novitsky will be standing by at the TORU Controls to assume manual control over the spacecraft should a problem with its navigation system occur. In case of a failure within 400 meters to ISS, they would perform a remote controlled approach and docking.
At 13:15 UTC, the Progress is scheduled to begin its Flyaround in order to align itself with its Docking Port. After completing the flyaround, Progress will be Stationkeeping at a distance of about 170 to 190 meters to allow Mission Control to perform an assessment of onboard systems and alignment. |
*File Image* - Photo: NASA
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Final approach is expected to begin at 13:31 UTC for a docking with the Zvezda Service Module of ISS at 13:40 UTC.
“If any technical issues arise, the Russian flight control team may default to a two-day rendezvous plan that would result in docking on Nov. 2,” NASA said in a statement.
After docking, standard operations will be performed to establish a hard-mate between the vehicles by closing hooks and latches before leak checks and hatch opening can be made. Progress M-17M will stay aboard ISS for nearly 6 months to make its delivery of 2,397 Kilograms of cargo.
At Liftoff, Progress M-17M had a total weight of 7,290 Kilograms, 2,397kg are cargo that will be delivered to the International Space Station. This cargo includes 1,247kg of dry cargo, 683kg of fuel for transfer to ISS, 28kg of Oxygen and 19kg of air to repressurize the Space Station, and 420kg of water.
The dry cargo includes 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. In addition, Progress M-17M is carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M will deliver Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials will be delivered that will be used to support a number of Russian studies.
Photo Gallery: Progress M-17M Launch
“If any technical issues arise, the Russian flight control team may default to a two-day rendezvous plan that would result in docking on Nov. 2,” NASA said in a statement.
After docking, standard operations will be performed to establish a hard-mate between the vehicles by closing hooks and latches before leak checks and hatch opening can be made. Progress M-17M will stay aboard ISS for nearly 6 months to make its delivery of 2,397 Kilograms of cargo.
At Liftoff, Progress M-17M had a total weight of 7,290 Kilograms, 2,397kg are cargo that will be delivered to the International Space Station. This cargo includes 1,247kg of dry cargo, 683kg of fuel for transfer to ISS, 28kg of Oxygen and 19kg of air to repressurize the Space Station, and 420kg of water.
The dry cargo includes 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. In addition, Progress M-17M is carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M will deliver Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials will be delivered that will be used to support a number of Russian studies.
Photo Gallery: Progress M-17M Launch
Progress M-17M - Flight Profile Overview
Image: Roscosmos/RSA
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Soyuz Rocket with Progress M-17M rolled to Launch Pad
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October 29, 2012
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Photo: Energia
Photo: Energia
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A Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle was rolled out to Launch Pad 1/5 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome early on Monday, local time, to begin final preparations for the launch of Progress M-17M on Wednesday.
On Sunday, the Progress Spacecraft encapsulated in its protective Payload Shroud, was attached to the third Stage of the Soyuz Rocket which was then mated to the Core Stage to finish the launcher integration process. A final round of inspections and testing was completed, and the Russian State Commission met to give approval for the rollout. On Monday morning, local time, the Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle was moved to the Pad for final pre-launch operations. Once arriving at the complex, the Launch Vehicle was placed in its Liftoff Position and L-2 activities were started. These operations include final testing of the Rocket and Spacecraft as well as battery charging, fueling preparations and final systems reviews. The State Commission will conduct its final meeting ahead of the countdown to give a GO/No GO for Launch Vehicle Fueling. Launch remains set for Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 7:41 UTC. After blasting off, the Soyuz-U launcher vehicle will perform a standard 9-minute ascent mission delivering the Progress to a 193 by 245-Kilometer Orbit. After Orbital Insertion 9 minutes after blastoff, Progress M-17M will not get a break as it makes its expedited rendezvous with the International Space Station for docking 4 Orbits after launch instead of the usual 34 Rendezvous Orbits. At T+49 minutes 27 seconds, the Progress will ignite its Main Propulsion System for perform the first in a series of Rendezvous Burns. The first burn is 64 seconds in duration and changes the vehicle’s velocity by 25.46m/s. During its second lap around Earth, Progress M-17M has to make three Rendezvous Burns that will change the spacecraft’s velocity by 19.49 m/s for the second burn and 7m/s for the third and fourth burns. These burns will place the vehicle on a trajectory to begin its automated Rendezvous for docking with the Space Station’s Zvezda Module at 13:40 UTC. |
At Liftoff, Progress M-17M will have a total weight of 7,290 Kilograms, 2,397kg are cargo that will be delivered to the International Space Station. This cargo includes 1,247kg of dry cargo, 683kg of fuel for transfer to ISS, 28kg of Oxygen and 19kg of air to repressurize the Space Station, and 420kg of water.
The dry cargo includes 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. In addition, Progress M-17M is carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M will deliver Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials will be delivered that will be used to support a number of Russian studies.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Rollout
The dry cargo includes 112kg of assorted items for the Russian ISS crew members and 56kg of US supplies such as hygiene and food supplies. In addition, Progress M-17M is carrying 378kg of food, 345kg of of Medical Support equipment and 128kg of sanitary supplies as well as 168kg of systems equipment for the different Russian Modules. Additionally, Progress M-17M will deliver Fire Protection Equipment, lighting fixtures and symbolic items to ISS. 9kg of scientific materials will be delivered that will be used to support a number of Russian studies.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Rollout
Final Launch Preparations for next Progress Mission underway |
October 27, 2012 |
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Launch Preparations for the next Progress Mission to the International Space Station are entering a final stage at the Baikonur Cosmodrome to set the stage for Liftoff of a Soyuz-U Rocket carrying Progress M-17M to orbit and on a express-lane trajectory to ISS. For this 4-Orbit Rendezvous Profile, the vehicle would launch at 7:41 UTC on Wednesday, October 31, and Progress M-17M would dock at the Zvezda Module of ISS at 13:40 UTC.
At the Cosmodrome, the launch vehicle and the Progress M-17M Spacecraft underwent final launch preparations. The Soyuz-U Booster was delivered to Baikonur in June and started its integration process later inside the Launcher Integration Facility where the four strap-on boosters were attached to the Core Stage and the third Stage was readied for payload installation. Progress M-17M completed final inspections at the Cosmodrome before primary cargo loading was completed. With the Progress launching just 8 days after Soyuz TMA-06M, the crew members that are now in orbit were able to check the vehicle and its configuration back inside the Spacecraft Processing Facility to familiarize themselves with the on-board configuration of the Progress that they will work with on the Space Station. The three crew members, Oleg Novitsky, Evgeny Tarelkin and Kevin Ford were able to take a close look inside the Progress on October 10 as it was processed in parallel with Soyuz TMA-06M. Once finishing final inspections and cargo loading, the Spacecraft was delivered to the fueling facility where propellants and compressed gases were loaded into the vehicle’s tanks. Nitrogen Tetroxide Oxidizer and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine Fuel were loaded into the SKD Main Propulsion System Tanks. Two Helium Spheres have been loaded with high-pressure Helium that will be used for Propellant Tank Pressurization in orbit. Also, Oxygen and Nitrogen gases were loaded into the vehicle that are being used to repressurize the atmosphere of ISS. |
Photo: Energia
Photo: Energia
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Further processing was made when the vehicle returned to the Spacecraft Processing Facility. There, a thorough inspection was made to ensure the vehicle is in good condition. Afterwards, the Progress Capsule was installed on its Payload Adapter on October 25, completing the spacecraft integration process. On the 26th, Progress M-17M was rolled horizontally and encapsulated in its Payload Shroud. Later, the vehicle was rolled to the Launcher Integration Facility to be installed to the Soyuz-U launch vehicle over the weekend. The vehicle will be attached to its launcher to complete the stacked vehicle and kick off one more round of integrated tests before rolling to the Launch Complex on Monday.
Progress M-17M will use the 1/5 Launch Complex at the Cosmodrome after it had been unavailable for the recent Soyuz Launch due to maintenance and modifications.
Photo Gallery: Progress M-17M Pre-Launch Processing
Progress M-17M will use the 1/5 Launch Complex at the Cosmodrome after it had been unavailable for the recent Soyuz Launch due to maintenance and modifications.
Photo Gallery: Progress M-17M Pre-Launch Processing
Progress M-17M to use Fast-Lane Trajectory to ISS |
September 21, 2012 |
Photo: NASA
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A Soyuz Rocket will lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to send Progress M-17M on its way to the Space Station on October 31, 2012 delivering the spacecraft to Orbit in less than 10 minutes. Progress M-17M will utilize the fast-rendezvous profile that was first tested on the most recent Progress mission, M-16M.
This modified flight profile calls for a shortened Launch-To-Docking Flight reducing the number of Orbits from Insertion to ISS Docking from 34 Rendezvous Orbits to 4. For that, the Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle would perform a nominal insertion into Low Earth Orbit with Progress M-16M beginning Rendezvous Maneuvers earlier than usual. Four engine burns would be made during the first three orbits which are the major Rendezvous Burns of the Progress Flight. Up to six additional maneuvers would occur on Orbits 3 and 4 before the nominal ISS Rendezvous and Docking procedure using the Progress’ automated KURS Navigation System is completed. |
The vehicle will make an automated docking to the Zvezda Module of the Station with the Russian Crew monitoring its approach ready to take over control of the spacecraft via the TORU System should any problems occur. Progress M-17M will deliver about 2,700 Kilograms of cargo to the Station including approximately 1,900 Kilograms of dry cargo. The vehicle will deliver fuel, resupply items and experiment material to the orbiting outpost. After cargo is unloaded, the Progress will be loaded with trash and disposed science payloads to burn up during re-entry. Progress M-17M will remain docked throughout Expedition 33 and undock in 2013.
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