A Soyuz-2.1a rocket, carrying the Progress MS-31 cargo spacecraft bound for the International Space Station, lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The launch event was broadcast live by Roscosmos.
Mere minutes after the launch, the rocket will place the spacecraft into a low Earth orbit. It will then detach from the third stage and commence its independent flight path towards the ISS. Docking with the Poisk module of the station`s Russian segment is anticipated at 0:28 Moscow time on July 6th. The spacecraft is scheduled to remain in orbit for a total duration of 167 days.
The Progress MS-31 mission is set to deliver over 2.6 tons of critical supplies to the space station. This substantial cargo includes 950 kilograms of fuel required for refueling the ISS, 50 kilograms of nitrogen intended to replenish the station`s atmosphere, and 420 kilograms of drinking water. Furthermore, the shipment includes essential provisions such as food, clothing, and a range of hygiene and medical supplies for the crew members currently aboard the station.
In addition to these supplies, the cargo vessel is loaded with various pieces of equipment and expendable materials necessary for the ongoing outfitting and maintenance tasks on the station. It also carries materials dedicated to conducting a series of scientific experiments, including those designated as «Impulse,» «Mirage,» «Fullerene,» «Biopolymer,» «Virtual,» «Splanchn,» «Biodegradation,» «Orbita-MG,» and «Separation.»
