The uncrewed Progress 93 cargo spacecraft is on final approach to the International Space Station, targeting an automated docking to the aft port of the Russian segment’s Zvezda service module at 1:27 p.m. EDT on Sept. 13. The logistics mission launched Sept. 11 at 11:54 a.m. EDT (8:54 p.m. Baikonur time) atop a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and is following a standard rendezvous profile to the orbital complex.
Mission Overview
Progress vehicles provide routine cargo delivery and station-keeping support for the ISS. The spacecraft uses the Kurs automated rendezvous system for final approach, with a ground-commanded manual backup available if required. Following capture, controllers will conduct leak checks before hatch operations and cargo transfer begin as part of Expedition 73’s ongoing timeline.
Why the Zvezda Aft Port Matters
Zvezda’s aft port is a key interface for Russian logistics traffic, offering propellant transfer capability and structural access for station reboosts. Dockings at this location help distribute visiting vehicle operations across the ISS, maintaining flexibility for future crewed and cargo arrivals across both the Russian and U.S. segments.
What Progress 93 Delivers
As with previous flights, Progress carries a mix of pressurized supplies and systems hardware, along with water, oxygen, and propellant to sustain station operations and research. These deliveries underpin crew life support, maintenance, and experiment continuity.
Key Milestones
- Launch: Sept. 11, 11:54 a.m. EDT, Soyuz rocket from Baikonur
- Rendezvous: Standard automated profile using Kurs navigation
- Planned docking: Sept. 13, 1:27 p.m. EDT, Zvezda aft port
- Post-docking: Leak checks, hatch opening, and cargo transfer to follow
Operational Context
The arrival continues the steady cadence of Russian cargo traffic supporting the ISS. Earlier this summer, Progress 92 docked to the Poisk module, illustrating the multi-port approach used to manage on-orbit logistics and propulsion needs across the station’s lifetime operations.
NASA is providing live coverage of the rendezvous and docking. For the latest official updates, see NASA’s mission post: Progress 93 Cargo Craft Approaching Station for Docking.
