SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
In a critical resupply mission underscoring the enduring strength of international space cooperation, an uncrewed Russian Progress spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) early this morning, delivering nearly three tons of essential supplies, scientific experiments, and propellant to the orbiting laboratory. The flawless automated rendezvous, executed while the station soared over the Atlantic Ocean, ensures the Expedition 72 crew’s needs are met for the coming months and supports a robust slate of ongoing research.
The Progress MS-26 freighter launched atop a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:07 p.m. local time on September 12 (2:07 p.m. EDT, 18:07 GMT). Following a meticulously choreographed two-day orbital chase, the spacecraft autonomously linked with the Poisk module on the Russian segment of the station at 1:45 a.m. Baikonur time on September 13 (3:45 p.m. EDT on the 12th, 19:45 GMT). The docking occurred precisely on schedule, a testament to the reliability of the decades-old Progress design and the proficiency of Russia’s Roscosmos space agency.
The cargo manifest for Progress MS-26 is a vital mix of consumables and capability, totaling approximately 2.8 tons (2,800 kilograms) of critical supplies. The breakdown of the cargo highlights the diverse needs of a functioning space station. Over 1,600 pounds (740 kilograms) of propellant was transferred into the station’s Russian propulsion systems, which are used for periodic “reboosts” to maintain the ISS’s altitude against atmospheric drag and for attitude control. Additionally, the spacecraft carried 925 pounds (420 kilograms) of fresh water and 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of nitrogen to replenish the station’s environmental control and life support systems.
For the seven-member international crew, the arrival is akin to a holiday delivery. The spacecraft’s pressurized compartment is packed with over 2,800 pounds (1,270 kilograms) of dry cargo, including a fresh supply of scientifically-prepared food rations, new clothing, personal hygiene kits, and spare parts for the station’s myriad systems. Also included are specialized packages for dozens of new and ongoing scientific investigations across disciplines including biology, biotechnology, Earth and space science, and human physiology.
The successful docking is particularly significant given the ever-present challenges of supporting human life in the harsh environment of space. “Every kilogram we send up is meticulously planned and absolutely vital,” said Dr. Anya Sharma, a lead payload operations director at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. “This Progress delivery isn’t just about food and water; it’s about sustaining the scientific momentum we’ve built. The experiments arriving today will help us understand the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, study cosmic phenomena unobscured by the atmosphere, and test technologies for future missions to the Moon and Mars. This cargo enables discovery.”
Among the most anticipated scientific payloads is a new European Space Agency (ESA) instrument dubbed “Bio-Monitor 2.0,” a wearable suite of sensors designed to continuously track crew vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep quality without invasive procedures. This data is crucial for understanding the cardiovascular and neurological impacts of microgravity. Another key experiment, “Microgravity Crystallography-4,” aims to grow near-perfect protein crystals in weightlessness. These crystals can be analyzed to develop new pharmaceuticals and treatments for diseases on Earth.
The Progress spacecraft also serves as a workhorse for station maintenance. Its cargo includes critical replacement components for the Russian-built Zarya and Zvezda modules, including pumps, filtration systems, and communication hardware. This regular logistical support is imperative for preempting equipment failures and ensuring the station, now over 25 years old, remains fully operational and safe for its crew.
The importance of this resupply mission extends beyond mere logistics; it is a powerful symbol of continued international partnership in space, even as geopolitical tensions persist on Earth. The ISS remains a shining example of what humanity can achieve through collaboration, with modules and crew provided by the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. The reliable performance of the Progress vehicle is a cornerstone of this partnership, providing regular and heavy-lift capability to sustain operations.
“The automation sequence for the Progress is a marvel of engineering,” remarked Mikhail Ivanov, a veteran flight controller with Roscosmos. “From launch to docking, the spacecraft operates with minimal input from the ground or the crew. It’s a system that has been refined over decades. While the world may see a simple cargo delivery, we see the perfect execution of a complex orbital ballet—a ballet that keeps the station alive.”
Following its docking, the crew, led by NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Sandra “Sunny” Fletcher, began the standard process of equalizing pressure between the Progress and the station. Over the next several days, they will meticulously unload the precious cargo, stowing supplies and activating new science experiments. The Progress MS-26 is scheduled to remain attached to the Poisk module for approximately six months.
During its stay, the spacecraft’s engines will be used on command to adjust the station’s orbit. Finally, just before its departure, it will be loaded with several tons of trash and spent equipment. Unlike the American Cygnus or SpaceX Dragon cargo ships, which burn up in the atmosphere, the Progress is designed to make a controlled, destructive re-entry over a remote area of the Pacific Ocean, incinerating the station’s waste in a final act of utility.
Today’s success paves the way for the next round of traffic to and from the ISS, including an upcoming Crew Dragon rotation mission scheduled for next month and a Northrop Grumman Cygnus launch later this year. The continuous and reliable flow of cargo, whether from American commercial partners or Russian government vehicles, is the lifeline that allows the International Space Station to fulfill its mission as humanity’s premier microgravity laboratory and a beacon of peaceful international cooperation.
