New Resupply Ship Arrives at Station

A Russian resupply ship loaded with propellant, oxygen, experiment hardware and other gear arrived at the International Space Station Friday at 9:59 p.m. EST. The ISS Progress 24 docked to the station’s Pirs docking compartment. The Progress is carrying supplies for Expedition 14 and the upcoming Expedition 15 mission.

Two days earlier on Wednesday Jan, 17 the cargo spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan achieving Earth orbit about 10 minutes later. A series of pre-programmed engine firings fine tuned the Progress’ arrival at the station which finally led to its automated docking.

Pirs was home to the ISS Progress 22 which undocked Tuesday, Jan. 16 making way for the newly docked Progress 24. After undocking, the Progress 22 -- loaded with trash and other discarded items -- entered Earth’s atmosphere and burned up safely.

Source: NASA