Following its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, at 0920 GMT on 14 June, the Progress MS-06 mission went on to dock successfully with the International Space Station (ISS) at 1137 GMT on16 June. This launch is the second Progress of the year and employed the Soyuz 2-1A rocket variant, following the retirement of the Soyuz-U in February. The mission utilised the two-day (34 orbit) trip to the ISS as opposed to the quicker six-hour route.
The spacecraft carried a total cargo of 2.4 metric tons. This included propellant, oxygen and water supplies to the ISS, alongside 1.3 metric tons of pressurised cargo. The mission also transported four nanosatellites to the ISS: Tanyusha-Yuzgu-1 and -2 cubesats (with handle) built at Southwestern State University, Russia; the 4.8 kg TNS 0-2 nanosatellite and, finally, the 53 kg SFERA-53 2 radar calibration satellite.
It has been reported that when the first stage landed in its planned impact area 20km down range of the launch site, a fire was ignited in the surrounding grass field. Sadly, the blaze overcame a vehicle carrying two firemen/clean-up workers. One was killed and the other was seriously injured. Both workers were Kazakh nationals and employed by the Russian company, NPO Mashinostroenia.
Soyuz 2-1A lifts off from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, carrying PROGRESS MS-06. Courtesy of Roscosmos
