The Progress MS (Russian: Прогресс МС; 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 21 December 2015, heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
Design
Like all previous variants, the Progress MS spacecraft consists of three distinct sections:[1]
Cargo Section: This pressurized carries supplies for the crew, including maintenance items, prepackaged and fresh food, scientific equipment, and clothing. Its docking drogue, similar to that of the Soyuz, features ducting that enables fuel transfer (described below).
Tanker Section: Replacing the Soyuz's reentry module, this unpressurized compartment houses two tanks containing unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) fuel and dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) oxidizer. Ducts run from these tanks around the outside of the pressurized module to connectors at the docking port, allowing automated fuel transfer. This design prevents any potential leaks of the toxic propellant from contaminating the station's atmosphere. This section also contains water tanks.
Propulsion Section: Located at the rear of the spacecraft, this unpressurized compartment remains largely unchanged from the Soyuz design. It contains the orientation engines used for automatic docking and can be utilized to boost the station's orbit once docked.
The Progress spacecraft's uncrewed and disposable design enables significant weight reduction. Unlike Soyuz, it does not require life support systems, heat shields, parachutes, or automatic crew rescue systems. Additionally, it lacks the ability to separate into multiple modules. after completing its mission, the spacecraft undocks, performs a controlled retrofire, and burns up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
Total payload capacity at launch: 2,600 kilograms (5,700 lb) – 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 (4,000 lb)
Propellant: Up to 870 kilograms (1,920 lb)
Water: Up to 420 kilograms (930 lb)
Gases: Up to 50 kilograms (110 lb)
Total payload capacity (in cargo section) for disposal: 2,140 kilograms (4,720 lb)
Progress MS improvements
The Progress MS received the following upgrades with compared to the Progress M:[2][3][4][5]
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.[6] 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 25 kg (55 lb) 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.[7]
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 5 m (16 ft) 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.[8][9]
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.[10]
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.
^Krasilnikov, A. (2015). Новая модификация "Союза" полетит через год [A new version of the Soyuz to flight this year] (in Russian). Novosti Kosmonavtiki. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
