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Russian Progress Cargo Ship Docks With Space Station

Posted by samzenpus on from the have-some-supplies dept.

An anonymous reader writes: An unmanned Russian cargo ship has successfully docked with the International Space Station. The successful launch, rendezvous and docking came after two resupply failures. A Progress launched in April spun out of control and a week ago, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket disintegrated, destroying a supply ship loaded with supplies and equipment. "Crew reports, 'feels like Christmas in July,'" the International Space Station tweeted.

3 of 47 comments (clear)

  1. Thank you Mr. Putin by SpaceXXX · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Our nation wants to thank you again for saving ISS and July 4th celebration.
    Every year now, during 4th of July week we will salute strong Russia and will be forever grateful for your generosity.

  2. I seriously would like to know by ClaraBow · · Score: 3, Interesting

    why NASA is relying on private companies to build the next-generation spacecraft. NASA had a dependable spacecraft. Couldn't they have improved the Space Shuttle? There has to be more going here than just money. Seriously, we can afford a war anytime we feel like fighting one, but when it comes to science and space exploration, we suddenly don't have money.

    1. Re:I seriously would like to know by spiritplumber · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Shuttle: Take 50 ton ship in orbit to carry 5 tons of payload. Rebuild most of it after every flight. Soyuz stack: Take 8 ton ship in orbit to carry 5 tons of payload. Scrap what's left of it after flight, don't worry about reliability of parts. Turns out most of the cost (and the mass) is the fuel.

      --
      Liberty - Security - Laziness - Pick any two.