Progress MS-27

The Progress-MS is an uncrewed freighter based on the Progress-M featuring improved avionics. This improved variant first launched on 21 December 2015. It has the following improvements:[23][24][25]

• New external compartment that enables it to deploy satellites. Each compartment can hold up to four launch containers. First time installed on Progress MS-03.[23][24][25]
• Enhanced redundancy thanks to the addition of a backup system of electrical motors for the docking and sealing mechanism.[23][24][25]
• Improved Micrometeoroid (MMOD) protection with additional panels in the cargo compartment.[23][24][25]
• Luch Russian relay satellites link capabilities enable telemetry and control even when not in direct view of ground radio stations.[23][24][25]
• GNSS autonomous navigation enables real time determination of the status vector and orbital parameters dispensing with the need of ground station orbit determination.[23][24][25]
• Real time relative navigation thanks to direct radio data exchange capabilities with the space station.
• New digital radio that enables enhanced TV camera view for the docking operations.[23][24][25]
• Unified Command Telemetry System (UCTS) replaces previous Ukrainian Chezara Kvant-V as the Progress spacecraft's on-board radio and antenna/feeder system.[23][24][25]
• Replacement of the Kurs A with Kurs NA digital system.[23][24][25]

A Soyuz-2.1a launched Progress MS-27 to the International Space Station from Baikonur Site 31/6 on 30 May 2024, 09:42 UTC.[26][27][28][29][30] Later, Progress MS-27 will automatically dock with Poisk and continues its mission tentative 1 June 2024 at 11:47 UTC, supporting Expedition 71 aboard the ISS.[31][32][27][33][34][35]

The MS-27 cargo capacity is 2,504 kg (5,520 lb) as follows:[8][9][36]

• Dry cargo: 1,290 kg (2,840 lb)[8][9]
• Fuel: 754 kg (1,662 lb)[8][9]
• Water: 420 kg (930 lb)[8][9]
• Nirogen: 40 kg (88 lb)[8][9]

• Uncrewed spaceflights to the International Space Station