Russia Launches Progress MS-28 Cargo

Russia successfully launched the Progress MS-28 cargo spacecraft into orbit via the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket, Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos said.

The launch took place at 06:20 Moscow time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, with the spacecraft carrying supplies, scientific equipment, and fresh produce for the International Space Station (ISS).

The Progress MS-28 is expected to reach the ISS in approximately two days, with docking scheduled for Saturday at 08:56 Moscow time. It will connect to the Zvezda service module of the ISS, delivering a total of 2,621 kilograms of cargo.

Among the supplies on board are 950 kilograms of refueling propellant, 420 liters of drinking water, and 50 kilograms of compressed nitrogen. The spacecraft also carries food, clothing, and tools for scientific experiments.

Significant scientific instruments are also being delivered. Notably, the SPIN-X1-MVN X-ray spectrometer will be installed outside the Zvezda module during an upcoming spacewalk. This device will enable scientists to conduct periodic, near-complete surveys of the celestial sphere in the X-ray spectrum.

The payload also includes other instruments allowing new scientific experiments, such as the forced exhale experiment which assesses lungs' function during prolonged space flight, to be initiated on the ISS.

Progress MS-28 (89P) will join five other vehicles at the ISS when it arrives.

Currently parked at the orbiting lab are two freighters, Progress MS-27 (88P) and Cygnus NG-21, and three crew-carrying craft: a Russian Soyuz, SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endeavour and Boeing's Starliner, which is conducting its first-ever astronaut flight.

Starliner reached the ISS on June 6 for a planned weeklong stay, but it has remained in orbit as engineers troubleshoot issues with its reaction control system thrusters.