NASA to Provide Live Coverage of Progress 87 Launch and Space Station Docking
NASA Live: Progress 87 Cargo Spacecraft Launch & ISS Docking - A Vital Lifeline to Space Station Operations.
NASA is set to broadcast live coverage of the launch and docking of the Progress 87 cargo spacecraft, a mission critical for resupplying the International Space Station (ISS) with vital provisions for the crew.
The Progress 87 resupply spacecraft, operated by Roscosmos, is slated for launch at 10:25 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 14 (8:25 a.m. Baikonur time Thursday, Feb. 15), from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch will be facilitated by a Soyuz rocket.
Viewers can tune in for live coverage starting at 10 p.m. on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. The coverage will guide audiences through the various stages of the mission, providing insights into the launch process and the subsequent journey of the spacecraft to the ISS.
The Progress spacecraft will embark on a two-day journey to reach the space station. Its primary cargo consists of approximately three tons of food, fuel, and supplies crucial for sustaining the crew aboard the orbiting laboratory.
The automatic docking of the Progress 87 to the aft port of the Zvezda service module is scheduled for 1:12 a.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 17. NASA’s coverage of the rendezvous and docking will commence at 12:30 a.m., ensuring audiences can witness this pivotal moment in real-time.
The International Space Station stands as a testament to human ingenuity, serving as a platform for scientific research and technological innovation. For over 23 years, NASA has maintained a continuous human presence aboard the ISS, fostering advancements in space exploration and preparing for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Roscosmos, the Russian governmental body overseeing space activities, plays a crucial role in supporting the ISS through its cargo missions. These missions, exemplified by the Progress spacecraft, deliver essential supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the station, ensuring its sustained operation and facilitating groundbreaking research in the realm of space exploration.
As humanity continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, collaborations between agencies like NASA and Roscosmos underscore the collective effort toward advancing scientific knowledge and expanding our presence beyond Earth’s confines. The launch and docking of Progress 87 serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing commitment to space exploration and the collaborative spirit that propels humanity toward new frontiers.
