A Russian cargo ship, Progress 91, docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on March 1, delivering essential supplies and equipment. The Progress MS-30 spacecraft arrived at the station’s Zvezda module while orbiting 260 miles above the South Atlantic Ocean.
The shipment included crew essentials such as clothing, food, medical provisions, and drinking water, totaling over 926 pounds. Additionally, fuel was transported to sustain the ISS’s orbit and propulsion needs. A new Orlan-MKS spacesuit was also delivered, designed for Russian spacewalks, enhancing mobility and thermal protection.
The Progress MS-30 spacecraft carried several scientific experiments, including studies on micro-algae cultivation, microbial growth, and semiconductor crystal growth. These experiments will support future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.
Russia’s Progress program has been instrumental in ISS operations since 1998, with over 183 flights completed. The program provides a reliable resupply mechanism for the station while ensuring efficient disposal of unneeded materials.
As the ISS nears its operational lifetime, space agencies worldwide are focusing on future space stations and deep-space missions. Commercial cargo providers like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman will play an increasing role in ISS logistics, but Russia’s Progress program remains a key contributor to station resupply and maintenance. Deliveries like Progress MS-30 provide valuable insight into the technologies needed for future missions.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/03/russian-cargo-ship