On February 17, 2015, 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.
Yuzhny space sentre and RSС Energia operational crews delivered Soyuz TMA-16M manned spacecraft to 2b launchpad where it will pass leak tests in the compression chamber. The test will last up to the weekends.
The launch of Soyuz TMA-16M spacecraft is scheduled for March 27 2015. The “year long mission” crew comprises Mikhail Korniyenko (Roscosmos) and Scott Kelly (NASA) with Gennady Padalka (Roscosmos) being crew commander. For him this space flight will be the 5th one in space career.
Next manned Soyuz to be launched in May took Soyuz TMA-16M place in the integration building of #254 launchpad.