Baikonur is returning to active operations after an almost three-month break. While the cargo spacecraft Progress MS-33 is still flying to the International Space Station, specialists are already preparing the next one — Progress MS-34.
According to Roscosmos, the pneumo-vacuum tests of the new cargo spacecraft were completed successfully. The spacecraft spent five days in a vacuum chamber, where the tightness of all compartments and onboard systems was confirmed. No issues were identified.
A mixture of air and helium was used to search for leaks. Gas with molecules measuring just 0.2 nanometers in diameter penetrates even the smallest cracks. After the tests, the spacecraft was returned to its workstation and connected to ground equipment. It is now continuing its pre-flight preparations.
Progress MS-33 launched from Baikonur yesterday. Docking with the ISS is scheduled for March 24 at 16:35 Moscow time. Because of an antenna that failed to deploy, it will be carried out manually.
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