NASA’s live coverage of Roscosmos Progress 86’s ISS mission, launching Dec. 1, delivering three tons of supplies.
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NASA is preparing up to provide live launch and docking coverage of the Roscosmos ‘Progress 86 cargo’ spacecraft. The unpiloted spacecraft is scheduled to take off on its mission at 4:25 A.M. EST on Friday, Dec. 1, taking off from the Baikonur Space Port in Kazakhstan with a crucial cargo of approximately three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the International Space Station’s ‘Expedition 70 crew’.
Live Coverage Details:
First of all let’s understand what is this “Baikonur” ? So Baikonur is the former name of a space port Soviet Union in Kazakhstan that is now run by Russia. The name Baikonur is Kazakh for “wealthy brown”, which means “fertile land with many herbs”.
- Launch Time: 4:25 A.M. EST on Friday, Dec. 1 (2:25 P.M. Baikonur time)
- Streaming Service: NASA+ via the web or NASA app
- Broadcast Platforms: NASA Television, YouTube, and NASA’s official website
- Coverage Start: 4 A.M. EST
- Docking Coverage: Begins at 5:30 A.M. on NASA Television and the agency’s website
Why Russia Prefer Kazakhstan for Space Launches ?
Russia historically favored Kazakhstan for space launches, particularly the Baikonur Space Port:
- Soviet Legacy: Baikonur wasn’t chosen by accident. During the Soviet era, a commission specifically search for a location with unique characteristics:
- Vast, Flat Landscape: Rockets require unstopped radio signals for control. The Kazakh Plain surrounding Space Port provides this vast, flat terrain.
- Safety Considerations: Launching rockets require a trajectory that avoids populated areas. Baikonur’s location minimizes risk in case of launch accidents.
- Equatorial Advantage: Ideally, space launch sites are closer to the equator. Earth’s rotation provides an extra eastward boost at these latitudes, which is beneficial for achieving orbit. Kazakhstan offered a better location (46 degrees north) compared to most of Russia’s territory.
- Established Infrastructure: Decades of Soviet and later Russian space activity have transformed Baikonur into a premier launch complex. The Space Port have:
- Launch Pads: Multiple launch pads are specifically designed and constructed for various rocket types.
- Support Facilities: A network of buildings houses engineers, technicians, and mission control personnel. These facilities also contain vital equipment and launch support systems.
- Technical Expertise: Generations of engineers and technicians have sharp their expertise at Baikonur, creating a skilled workforce for launch operations. Replicating this level of experience elsewhere would be a significant undertaking.
Shifting Landscape: It’s important to note that the relationship between Russia and Kazakhstan regarding Baikonur is not static. There have been occasional disagreements over lease terms and environmental concerns related to rocket fuel. Recognizing this, Russia has been developing its own Space Port within its borders, Vostochny Space Port, potentially reducing its dependance on Baikonur in the future.
Where to watch the launch ?
Space enthusiasts can see all the action on NASA’s dedicated streaming service, NASA+, accessible through the web or the NASA app. Additionally, the live coverage will be broadcasted on NASA Television, YouTube, and NASA’s official website. Make sure not to miss a single moment by exploring the various streaming platforms, including social media channels.
![(Oct. 4, 2023) — The Roscosmos Progress 84 cargo craft is pictured docked to the International Space Station’s Poisk module. Image Credits: NASA](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-4.png)
The Progress spacecraft is taking off on a two-day, 34-orbit journey to the International Space Station. The climax of this journey will be an automatic docking to the ‘Poisk module’ at 6:14 A.M. on Sunday, Dec. 3. NASA’s live coverage of the docking will start at 5:30 A.M., providing viewers with a front-row seat to this remarkable achievement of space exploration.
Mission Details:
Following a six-month stay at the orbiting laboratory, during which it will play a crucial role in supporting the crew’s mission, the Progress spacecraft will undock for a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. This disposal method ensures the safe removal of collected trash loaded by the crew.
The International Space Station represents a highest level of scientific achievement, serving as a hub for research that is impossible on Earth. NASA’s continuous human presence aboard the space station, last over 23 years, has cover the way for humans to adapt the challenges of continue space living and working. Beyond its scientific contributions, the space station acts as a launchpad for the development of commercial space destinations and contributes to the formation of a low Earth orbit economy. NASA’s future missions, including the Artemis program’s lunar exploration and aspirations for Mars, are confident to build upon the knowledge and experiences gained from this extraordinary platform.
Stay tuned at m31globalnews for the latest updates on NASA’s Space Missions.
The Team, M31Global News