New Soyuz Rocket Successfully Launches Cargo to Space Station

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New Soyuz Rocket Successfully Launches Cargo to Space Station

More Information:

A Soyuz FG successfully launched Progress M1-6 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, pad LC 1, at 22:32:40 UTC (3:32:40 p.m. PDT) on May 20. This was the first launch of the upgraded Soyuz FG. The Soyuz FG rocket is a modified Soyuz U with 5 percent improved perfomance from new fuel injection systems in the core and strapon engines. The Progress will fly a two-day approach to the International Space Station and is scheduled to make an automatic docking to the station's rear-facing port on the Zvezda service module at 0019 UTC May 23 (5:19 p.m. PDT May 22).

The Progress is loaded with 1400 kg (3100 lbm) of food, supplies, computer parts and other equipment. The cargo includes a replacement computer hard drive to replace one that failed inside the U.S. Destiny science laboratory during the recent Endeavour mission. The hard drive, once installed, will help restore all three of the station's command and control computers to full functionality. The Progress is also carrying a CD-ROM disc holding the software the station crew needed to handle the arrival of shuttle Atlantis in June. By sending up the disc now, the station crew will be able to load the necessary software onto their portable laptops more quickly than having to wait while the programs are uploaded via a slow radio internet connection.

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May 20, 2001