Active preparations continue at the Vostok launch complex of the Baikonur Cosmodrome for the Soyuz-2.1a rocket with Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft launch under the International Space Station Russian program. On the previous day the Soyuz-2.1a/Progress MS-18 rocket was taken to the launchpad. Roscosmos subsidiaries’ specialists carried out work according to the first launch day schedule.

Today, preparations for Thursday’s launch continue. As part of the launch day two, technological prelaunch preparations are carried out. In the afternoon, the space rocket will undergo general test with the simulation of launch and flight until the separation of the spacecraft in the target orbit.

The Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-18 cargo spacecraft is scheduled to launch on October 28, 2021 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Launchpad 31. The spacecraft will deliver 470 kg of fuel, 420 liters of drinking water, 40 kg of air and oxygen, 1,509 kg of equipment and materials, medical and sanitary supplies, clothing items, standard rations and fresh food to the ISS.

Progress MS is the Russian unmanned transportation spacecraft. It is part of the Progress family of cargo spacecraft, which were built specifically for servicing orbital stations. It is used to deliver cargoes to the International Space Station, as well as to adjust its orbit. The craft is designed and manufactured by the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

Progress MS spacecraft has three compartments: cargo compartment (for placing dry cargo and water), instrument compartment and refueling component compartment (for delivering fuel to the station). Length: 7.2 m, maximal diameter: 2.72 m, liftoff mass: about 7.3 t. Can deliver a payload of about 2.6 t.