The Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the Progress MS-33 cargo ship was taken out and installed in a vertical position at the Baikonur launch complex, Roscosmos reported on March 17. The launch is scheduled for March 22. The launch pad has been repaired — the current launch will be the first after restoration work. Progress MS-33 will deliver over 2.5 tons of cargo to the International Space Station: 828 kg of fuel for refueling the station, 420 kg of drinking water, 619 kg of food for the crew, 52 kg of equipment for scientific experiments, and 12 kg of medical supplies, including loading suits to prevent the negative effects of weightlessness.
Cargo of Progress MS-33: What the Ship is Carrying to the ISS
The bulk of the mass consists of consumables for the station's life support. Fuel for refueling — 828 kg — is used to correct the ISS orbit and maneuver to avoid space debris. Drinking water — 420 kg — replenishes the crew's supplies and is consumed in regeneration systems. Food rations — 619 kg — are designed for several months of crew work.
The scientific and medical load occupies a separate cargo volume. 52 kg of equipment are intended for experiments on board the station, 12 kg of medical supplies include loading suits — special equipment that compensates for the lack of gravitational load on the muscles and blood vessels of astronauts in conditions of prolonged weightlessness.
Characteristics of the Progress MS-33 Mission
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-2.1a
- Cosmodrome: Baikonur
- Launch date: March 22, 2026 (planned)
- Purpose: Progress MS series cargo ship
- Total cargo weight: more than 2,500 kg
- Fuel for the ISS: 828 kg
- Drinking water: 420 kg
- Food: 619 kg
- Scientific equipment: 52 kg
- Medical supplies: 12 kg
- Launch feature: first after launch pad repair
The Progress MS series is a modernized version of cargo ships that have been in operation since 1978. Compared to the previous Progress M series, the ships received an updated rendezvous and docking system, improved telemetry, and an increased autonomous flight resource. Progress MS-33 continues the planned supply of the ISS as part of the Russian segment of the program.
