NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1998-062A
An improved version of cargo freighters used to supply the Mir space station, the Progress M series had greater cargo capacity, a modernized approach/docking system and carried 2 solar panels to generate electrical power. Progress M can fly for 30 days independently and 108 days docked with Mir. Spare propellent in Progress M's tanks can be transferred to Mir before it is consigned to burn up in reentry. In the past, extra fuel was abandoned with the craft. Future Progress vehicles will carry a recoverable reentry capsule for the speedy return of up to 150 kg of material from Mir to earth.
Progress M-40 was launched by a Soyuz-U rocket from Baykonur at 04:15 UT to carry cargo to the Mir station. It carried 7,285 kg of cargo including 400 kg of fuel, 2,500 kg of food, water, and scientific/engineering equipment required for the experiment (Znamia 2.5) to reflect Sun light toward Earth. It docked with Mir on 27 October, 1998.
Launch Date: 1998-10-25
Launch Vehicle: Soyuz-U
Launch Site: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), Kazakhstan
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office