One-orbit rendezvous scheme (takes approximately 2 hours) may be tested during the launch of Progress MS-20 cargo vehicle to the ISS in case all the elements necessary operate nominally in the framework of two prior cargo launches, – the Head of RSC Energia ballistics department Raphail Murtazin stated.

“Technically we have two cargo vehicles to check the system (Progress MS-18 and Progress MS-19) and if the testing is successful we will be able to introduce one-orbit scheme while launching Progress MS-20”, –  Murtazin said.

According to ballistician coelliptic orbit entry necessary for one-orbit scheme was tested during the flight of Progress MS-17 cargo vehicle launched on June 30. The vehicle has been staying on the orbit for 50 minutes.

“The nest cargo vehicle will be launched according to two-day rendezvous scheme. We will go on testing: after first two impulses the vehicle will enter coelliptic orbit (after day one), and then will shift to another coelliptic orbit  so that we could figure out the accuracy the coelliptic orbit is formed with and the velocity of its decline”, – he noted.

Should the testing be a success the final stage of the flight may be tested in case of Roscosmos approval, – Murtazin clarified. At the present time autonomous rendezvous practically takes one orbit and needs to be reduced by 20-25 minutes.

“In fact at this stage of flight at the distance about 2-2,5 kilometers  the deceleration will start”. – he added.