Russian Cargo Craft Re-docks to Space Station

The ISS Progress 47 cargo vehicle docked once again to the International Space Station’s Pirs docking compartment Saturday at 9:01 p.m. EDT after a successful test of its new automated rendezvous system.

Under the watchful eye of Russian flight controllers, the resupply ship undocked Sunday, July 22 to test an updated automated docking system, known as Kurs-NA, which is expected to be used for both Progress and piloted Soyuz spacecraft in the future. Kurs-NA uses a single antenna, which will allow four others to be removed. The Kurs-NA-equipped Progress and Soyuz spacecraft will have only three antennas, half as many as the current versions.

Kurs-NA also will use less power and improve safety.

Progress 47 arrived at the station in April. After it was emptied of its cargo, the space station crew filled it with trash for disposal. The spacecraft is set to make its final departure from the orbital complex Monday.