The ProgressMS (Russian: ПрогрессМС; GRAU: 11F615A61) is the latest version of the Russian Progress spacecraft series, first launched in 2015. The "MS" stands for "modernized systems", reflecting upgrades primarily focused on the communications and navigation subsystems. An evolution of the Progress M spacecraft, the Soyuz MS features minimal external changes, mainly in the placement of antennas, sensors, and thrusters. It is used by Roscosmos for cargo spaceflight missions. Progress MS-01 conducted its maiden flight on 21December 2015, heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
Design
Like earlier variants, the Progress MS spacecraft consists of three sections (from forward to aft in orbit, or top to bottom when mounted on a rocket):[1]
Cargo section: Based on the Soyuz orbital module, this 7-cubic-metre (250cuft) pressurized section carries supplies for the crew, including maintenance items, prepackaged and fresh food, scientific equipment, and clothing. Its docking drogue is similar to that of Soyuz, but with additional ducting that enables the automated transfer of fuel, water, and gases.
Tanker section: Replacing the Soyuz reentry module, this unpressurized compartment houses tanks for unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel, dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) oxidizer, drinking water, and atmospheric gases. Ducts connect the tanks to transfer lines routed along the exterior of the pressurized module to connectors at the docking port, enabling automated transfer. The design is intended to prevent leaks of propellants from entering the station atmosphere. The water and gases supplement supplies generated by the Environmental Control and Life Support System.
Instrumentation/propulsion section: Largely derived from the Soyuz instrumentation/propulsion module, this unpressurized compartment is slightly elongated to accommodate avionics normally housed in the Soyuz descent module. It contains engines used for attitude control and automated docking, and is also used to reboost the station’s orbit once docked.
Unlike Soyuz, the Progress spacecraft does not require life support systems, heat shields, parachutes, or crew escape systems and cannot be separated into multiple modules. The elimination of these systems significantly reduces the spacecraft's mass, allowing for increased cargo capacity. After completing its mission, the spacecraft is typically filled with waste, undocks, performs a controlled deorbit burn, and burns up during reentry into Earth's atmosphere.[1]
Total payload capacity at launch: 2,600 kilograms (5,700lb) – the following amounts exceed this capacity, giving planners the ability to match the payload to the needs of the station
Dry cargo (in cargo section): Up to 1,800 kilograms (4,000lb) in 7 cubic metres (250cuft)
Refueling propellant (in tanker section): Up to 1,700 kilograms (3,700lb)
Reboost propellant (in instrumentation/propulsion section) 250 kilograms (550lb)
Water: Up to 420 kilograms (930lb)
Gases: Up to 50 kilograms (110lb)
Total payload capacity (in cargo section) for disposal: 2,140 kilograms (4,720lb)
Maximum diameter: 2.7 metres (8ft 10in)
Span with solar arrays: 10.7 metres (35ft)
Engine thrust 2,942 newtons (661lbf)
Progress MS improvements
The Progress MS received the following upgrades with compared to the Progress M:[2][4][5][6]
Kurs-NA rendezvous system: The Kurs-NA (Russian: Курс-Новая Активная, romanized:Kurs-Novaya Aktivnaya, meaning "Course–New Active") is an automatic docking system developed and manufactured in Russia to replace the earlier Ukrainian-built Kurs system. The change was driven in part by the need to reduce reliance on Ukrainian hardware following the deterioration of relations and armed conflict between the two countries.[7] It also modernizes the equipment with a higher degree of computerization and addresses the obsolescence of components in the original system. The Kurs-NA is about 25kg (55lb) lighter, 30% smaller, and consumes 25% less power than its predecessor. It employs a single phased-array antenna in place of four older antennas, while two narrow-angle antennas were retained but repositioned toward the rear. The system also replaces the halogen headlight used for docking assistance with a brighter, more energy-efficient LED lamp.[8]
Unified Command and Telemetry System (EKTS, Russian: Единая Командно-Телеметрическая Система, romanized:Edinaya Komandno-Telemetricheskaya Sistema): Replaces earlier systems (BRTS, MBITS, Rassvet) with a single unit that supports satellite communications via Russia's Luch relay network, covering up to 83% of each orbit. It incorporates the Apparatus for Satellite Navigation (ASN-K, Russian: Аппаратура Спутниковой Навигации [АСН-К], romanized:Apparatura Sputnikovoi Navigatsii), which replaces a ground-based tracking network of six stations across Russia that provided only partial orbital coverage. ASN-K uses GLONASS and GPS signals through four fixed antennas, delivering positional accuracy of 5m (16ft) and 0.5° attitude accuracy. The spacecraft also retains VHF and UHF radios, can interface with U.S. TDRSS and European EDRS networks, and carries a COSPAS-SARSAT transponder for real-time reentry tracking.[9][10]
Additional micro-meteoroid protection: Additional anti-micro-meteoroid shielding was added to the cargo section module walls. This measure was designed to safeguard the spacecraft's most vulnerable component against the unlikely but potential threat of a meteoroid or space debris impact.
Improved docking mechanism: The docking system received a backup electric driving mechanism.[11]
Digital camera system: The spacecraft utilizes a digital television camera system based on MPEG-2, replacing the older analog system. This upgrade enables space-to-space RF communication between the spacecraft and the station and reduces interference.
CubeSat deployment platform: New external compartment that enables it to deploy CubeSats. Each compartment can hold up to four launch containers. First time installed on Progress MS-03.
List of flights
List includes only completed or currently manifested missions. Dates are listed in UTC, and for future events, they are the earliest possible opportunities (also known as NET dates) and may change.
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