Soyuz Progress M-08M launch

Progress M-08M in Preparation Image Credit: Korolev – Energia

Progress M-08M is slated for launch by a Soyuz-U rocket on 27 October 2010 at 8:11 AM Phoenix time (19:11:53 Moscow). The Progress will approach the International Space Station in accordance with the usual three-day timeline. The docking is to occur at 9:40 AM Phoenix time (20:40 Moscow), 30 October. Progress M-08M is to deliver about 2.5 t of cargo supplies to the station, including hardware for the Molniya-Gamma and Coulomb Crystal (pdf) experiments. The vehicle will also carry high-speed data transmission equipment to be installed on the outer surface of the station during an EVA by Oleg Skripochka and Dmitry Kondratiev in January of 2011.

Food boxes will contain not only standard rations, but also fresh fruits and vegetables – lemons, apples, onions, tomatoes, and a kilogram of garlic. The Progress will deliver 1,918 pounds of propellant, 1,100 pounds of oxygen, 498 pounds of water, and 2,804 pounds of food, spare parts and supplies. At 7:40 AM Phoenix time (14:40 UTC), we are expecting a launch in 30 minutes The launch is live at both Tsenki TV and NASA TV.

Progress M-08M Countdown Image Credit: NASA TV	Progress M-08M Countdown Image Credit: Tsenki TV
Progress M-08M Venting at T-30 Image Credit: NASA TV	Progress M-08M Launch Control Image Credit: NASA TV

This is the 10th anniversary of continuous habitation aboard the International Space Station. At 7:56 AM Phoenix time, we are 15 minutes from launch. At 8:06 AM Phoenix time, we are 5 minutes from launch. There are no reported technical problems at this time. T minus 60 seconds.

Progress M-08M Ignition Image Credit: NASA TV	Progress M-08M Liftoff Image Credit: NASA TV
Progress M-08M Ascent Image Credit: NASA TV	Progress M-08M Downrange Image Credit: NASA TV

At 20 minutes into the flight, Progress M-08M is in orbit and chasing the International Space Station. Rendezvous and docking are scheduled to be completed at 9:39 AM Phoenix time (16:39 UTC) on Saturday, 30 October 2010.