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Progress M-43 Flight to Mir Delayed 24 Hours

By Keith Cowing
October 15, 2000
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Progress M-43The launch of a Progress M-43 Cargo Vehicle to Mir which had been scheduled for Sunday, 15 October, has been postponed for 24 hours. According to Interfax, the launch of Progress M-43 will now occur at 5:27 p.m. EDT (2127 GMT) Monday, 16 October.

Update: Progress M-43 was launched on time at 5:27 p.m. EDT (2127 GMT) on Monday 16 October 2000 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome

The reason for the delay was attributed to last minute changes in the spacecraft’s launch profile in an effort to conserve fuel. As a result, the Progress will require 4 days to reach and dock with Mir as opposed to the normal 2 days. This Progress is carrying fuel that is required to keep Mir aloft and was funded by MirCorp as part of their ongoing effort to keep Mir operational such that it can be operated as a commercial venture.

Related Video

Energia has put RealVideo footage online of the Progress M-43 spacecraft during close out at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Related Links

  • Energia
  • MirCorp
  • MirCorp Funds Launch of Third Progress Cargo Spaceship to Mir, press release

    Photos: “Close-outs with the Progress M-43 cargo vehicle in the Assembly and Testing Facility at Baikonur”. All Photos from RSC Energia.

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