Falling to Earth: Russia Loses Control of ISS Bound Spacecraft

Out-of-control Russian spacecraft is plunging to earth after developing technical faults.

Russia’s Doomed Spaceship

Russia has abandoned an unmanned cargo spaceship that was sent to supply the International Space Station – the head of the Roscosmos, Russia’s Federal Space Agency has said.

It’s reported that the cargo spacecraft is plunging back to Earth and is apparently out of control.

The 2.6 billion rouble ($51 million) Progress 59 cargo ship, carrying almost 3 tonnes (2,722 kg) of supplies, was unable to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) because of problems it faced after it launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early on Tuesday, said Roscosmos head Igor Komarov.

Komarov listed a series of technical problems that caused the freighter to tumble out of control shortly after it reached its preliminary orbit.

Because of this, the craft’s continued flight and its docking with the ISS is not possible.
– Igor Komarov, Roscosmos

What is a Cargo Spaceship?

Before one presses all the panic buttons, however, it’s important to know what a cargo spaceship actually is.

It’s a capsule that carries essential supplies including, food, fuel, oxygen, spare parts and scientific experiment hardware for the space station.

After the cargo is removed and before the Progress undocks, the crew refills it with trash, unneeded equipment and waste water, which will burn up with the spacecraft when it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
– NASA

What is the International Space Station?

The ISS (International Space Station) is a joint project among five participating space agencies: America’s NASA, Russia’s Roscosmos, Japan’s JAXA, Europe’s ESA, and Canada’s CSA. The ownership and use of the space station is established by intergovernmental treaties and agreements. The station is divided into two sections, the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) and the United States Orbital Segment (USOS), which is shared by many nations.

What Went Wrong With Progress 59?

Russia lost contact with Progress 59 during a resupply mission to the ISS. According to the New York Times, the problems began almost immediately after it detached from the rocket.

First, the cargo ship stopped sending telemetric data.

Later, it was revealed that the ship was spinning uncontrollably, rotating at 90 degrees a second.

NASA released this incredible video below showing the Earth flying by as the ship gyrated.

Will it Fall on Earth?

Yes, it’s coming back, but it’s unlikely to pose any danger to humans.

According to Vladimir Solovyev, flight director for the Russian section of the ISS, the wreckage from the Progress M-27M ship is likely to burn up as it re-enters the atmosphere.

(The descent trajectory) indicates that the structural elements of the ship will not reach the Earth’s surface.
– Vladimir Solovyev, Flight Director, Russian Section of ISS

Any surviving debris will probably land between May 5-7, but experts are unlikely to know where exactly it will fall.

Will the Hitch Put ISS Crew Members at Risk?

The spacecraft was not carrying any supplies critical for the United States Operating Segment (USOS) of the station. It’s reported that both the Russian and USOS segments of the station will continue to operate normally and are adequately supplied well beyond the next planned resupply flight.

According to NASA, the next flight is scheduled to take off on or after June 19.

(With inputs from AP and Reuters)