RSC Energia reported on the progress of preparations for the launch of the Progress MS-27 space freighter. After refueling and docking with the adapter section, it is placed in the head fairing and, after all checks, sent for assembly with the Soyuz-2.1a rocket.
The head fairing protects the spacecraft from various kinds of damage, dust, and small particles in the atmosphere. At high speeds, even small particles of debris can cause irreparable damage to it.
In addition, the fairing helps to reduce aerodynamic drag and withstand temperature loads when entering the atmosphere. According to the designers, the heating of the nose of the fairing due to air resistance can reach more than 100 °C at approximately 120 seconds of flight.
The space freighter will depart for the ISS on May 30. As usual, the launch will be broadcast on the space corporation's social networks. Two and a half tons of cargo will be delivered to orbit: equipment for experiments, food, clothing, parcels and gifts, and psychological support kits for astronauts.
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