Russian cosmonauts successfully directed a Russian cargo ship to dock with the International Space Station through remote guidance, overcoming a glitch in the guidance system.

December 3, 2023 Benjamin Hughes

A Russian cargo spacecraft, named Progress, successfully reached the International Space Station on Sunday after a two-day journey. The spacecraft carried over 5,570 pounds of equipment and supplies. Due to a misalignment in its automated system, the spacecraft was remotely guided by cosmonauts at a control station within the lab complex during its final approach.

The Progress MS-25/86P was launched on Friday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan using a Soyuz 2.1a rocket. On board, it has 3,423 pounds of equipment and supplies for the crew, 88 pounds of nitrogen, 926 pounds of water, and 1,135 pounds of propellant to keep the station in orbit.

A video camera on the approaching Progress supply ship captured a view of the International Space Station just moments before its automated rendezvous system experienced a malfunction. Subsequently, the cosmonauts on board the station took control and successfully guided the spacecraft for docking.

NASA TV

On Sunday, the supply ship reached the space station and was preparing to dock at the Poisk module. However, the KURS system that guides the rendezvous lost track of the spacecraft’s position and direction.

William Harwood

Since 1984, Bill Harwood has been extensively reporting on the U.S. space program. He started as the bureau chief for United Press International at Cape Canaveral and currently works as a consultant for CBS News.

Source: cbsnews.com