Rocket and space industry specialists go on preparing Soyuz TMA-16-M manned spacecraft for the launch.

Last week main and back-up crews of ISS-43/44 mission started passing exams. The main crew comprises Roscosmos cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and Mikhail Korniyenko and NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, the back-up crew – Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and NASA astronaut Geffrey Williams.

February 20 is one of the most space-related days of the year since three cosmonauts celebrate their birthdays on this date: Alexander Aleksandrov, Vasiliy Tsibliyev and Anton Shkaplerov.

On February 17 rocket and space industry specialists successfully launched Progress M-26M cargo vehicle that delivered the ISS propellant, oxygen, foodstuff, scientific equipment and parcels for crew members. This launch started 2015 ISS flight program and the specialists are already accomplishing preparation works for the future launches.

On February 17, 2015 at 19.57, Moscow time Progress M-26M cargo vehicle successfully docked with Zvezda service module of Russian ISS segment.

Today on February 17, 2015, at 14:00:17, Moscow time, Roscosmos launching crews successfully launched Soyuz-U booster with Progress M-26M cargo vehicle.

According to the decision taken by State Commission on February 15, at 04.00, Moscow time, rocket and space industry launching crews rolled-out Soyuz-U booster with Progress M026M cargo vehicle from the integration building to #1 launchpad (Gagarin launch). The rocket was installed and the specialists started working in accordance with the first launching day schedule. Before the launch they have to test the facilities and systems both of the rocket and ground-based equipment and gill the booster’s tanks with propellant components and pressurized gas.

Baikonur specialists go on working on ISS program implementation.

ISS orbit was successfully adjusted according to the station’s flight program on January 28, 2015. According to the calculations by MCC ballistic and navigational support service the thrusters of European ATV-5 cargo vehicle were ignited at 21.40, Moscow time, and have been operating for 288,7 seconds, the station got an increment of 0,68 m/s.

ISS orbit to be decreased by 1,2 km, - Mission Control Centre representative reported. Orbit adjustment maneuver will be accomplished with the help of European cargo vehicle ATV Georges Lemaitre. Th thrusters will be ignited at 21.40, Moscow time, the ISS orbit will be decreased by 1,2 km.