Russian Docking System Tested Aboard the ISS

TL;DR

Progress 62 cargo craft successfully completed a manual flying test for an upgraded signal conversion unit, before re-docking to the Pirs docking compartment.

Transcript

this is mission control in corey off as you can see uh from views from both the progress and from international space station cameras uh the progress uh continues uh to be manually flown back in in true form uh for its re-docking to the piers docking compartment it departed the piers at 12 36 and 36 seconds a.m central time backed away to a distanc... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🦽 The Progress 62 cargo craft successfully completed a manual flying test using the upgraded ROO system.
• 🏆 The test aims to assess the newly installed signal conversion unit and validate its performance.
• 🚙 The Pirs docking compartment serves as a docking port and airlock for Russian spacewalks.
• 🧑‍🦽 The manual flying test serves as a backup to the automated system in case of any issues during docking.
• 🧡 The test involves keeping a steady range between the Progress and its docking compartment for alignment checks.
• 😤 The flight control team closely monitors the progress of the manual flying test from Mission Control.
• 👋 The alignment and systems onboard the Progress are reported to be in good condition.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the Progress 62 cargo craft being manually flown?

The manual flying test is to test out a new signal conversion unit installed in the workstation and to serve as a backup to the automated system in case of any issues with the Progress during docking.

Q: What are the roles of the cosmonauts in manual flying?

Cosmonauts Alexei Ochinen and Alexei Pochka operate a joystick at the upgraded workstation to manually control the flying of the Progress 62 cargo craft.

Q: What is the purpose of the re-docking to the Pirs docking compartment?

The Pirs docking compartment serves as both a docking port and an airlock for Russian-based spacewalks. The re-docking enables further assessment of the Progress systems before its final undocking and destructive re-entry.

Q: How is the manual flying performed in the test?

The manual flying is done using the tele-robotically operated unit (TORU) system, where the cosmonauts use a joystick at the workstation in the Zvezda service module to control the Progress 62's movements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Progress 62 cargo craft departs the Pirs docking compartment and is manually flown back in for re-docking.

• Cosmonauts Alexei Ochinen and Alexei Pochka manually control the flying using the upgraded ROO system.

• The manual flying test is to assess the new signal conversion unit installed in April.