“Progress” play Russian roulette – TVNZ

The Russian Space Agency clarified that the expected fall of the fragments of the truck on May 8 in the period from 1:23 to 21:55 Moscow time. Where this happens it is still unknown. The exact location of incidence can be determined not earlier than one day.

«Progress” is a metal cylinder weighing about 7 tons. However, the spacecraft is almost completely burned in the atmosphere. Fall to the ground only a few tens of refractory structural elements – titanium and steel-ball cans. These containers are usually injected fuel, oxidizer, water, gases and other consumables. Roscosmos said that exactly the same amount of debris falling to Earth and regular gathering of “progress” from orbit. However, in such cases, the space truck exhaust their flooded in a given square of the ocean. Here goodies from heaven can wait anywhere.

What was the cause of the accident “progress”? On this issue a special commission answer of 13 May. However, after analyzing the nature of the debris that surround the transport ship, the experts suggested that the explosion occurred in the separation of the third stage of the carrier rocket “Soyuz-2.1a».

Meanwhile, the crew of the ISS is recommended to switch to saving mode. Perhaps even the station crew reduced from six to three. The fact that the next “Progress” was to be launched into orbit in mid-May, but due to the state of emergency flights are likely to be suspended. So the only way to resupply the International Space Station is the US launch of a reusable spacecraft Dragon.

Last Dragon deliver cargo into orbit on April 16. In view of the delivery to the ISS reserves should last until September 5. Save mode does not mean that the astronauts have to restrict your diet. In the first place on the ISS will be as long as possible to use removable elements of life support. For example, rechargeable batteries. Recall, the main part of the cargo of “progress” made up 500 kilograms of fuel, 420 kg of water, 50 kg of air, oxygen cylinders, scientific equipment and supplies. Now load the next space transportation will have to adjust on the basis of the loss of “Progress».