Soyuz TMA-14M Spacecraft Fails to Deploy Solar Panel
Upon reaching its preliminary orbit following a flawless launch, only one of two power-producing solar arrays on the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft deployed. Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev and Flight Engineers Barry Wilmore and Elena Serova are in no danger as they prepare for docking to the space-facing Poisk module of the International Space Station at 10:15 p.m. EDT
The crew aboard the Soyuz and Russian flight controllers discussed the status of the spacecraft which is otherwise in perfect shape. Russian engineers believe the Soyuz can reach the International Space Station for a nominal docking later today as they continue to review data and troubleshoot the issue with the port array.
Two rendezvous burns of the Soyuz engine to fine-tune its path to the station have been conducted normally.
