Progress MS-22

The Progress-MS is an uncrewed freighter based on the Progress-M featuring improved avionics. This improved variant first launched on 21 December 2015. It has the following improvements:

• New external compartment that enables it to deploy satellites. Each compartment can hold up to four launch containers. First time installed on Progress MS-03.
• Enhanced redundancy thanks to the addition of a backup system of electrical motors for the docking and sealing mechanism.
• Improved Micrometeoroid (MMOD) protection with additional panels in the cargo compartment.
• Luch Russian relay satellites link capabilities enable telemetry and control even when not in direct view of ground radio stations.
• GNSS autonomous navigation enables real time determination of the status vector and orbital parameters dispensing with the need of ground station orbit determination.
• Real time relative navigation thanks to direct radio data exchange capabilities with the space station.
• New digital radio that enables enhanced TV camera view for the docking operations.
• Unified Command Telemetry System (UCTS) replaces previous Ukrainian Chezara Kvant-V as the Progress spacecraft's on-board radio and antenna/feeder system.
• Replacement of the Kurs A with Kurs NA digital system.

A Soyuz-2.1a launched Progress MS-22 to the International Space Station from Baikonur Site 31 on 9 February 2023. Around 2 days after the launch, Progress MS-22 automatically docked with Zvezda, supporting Expedition 69 aboard the ISS.

The MS-22 cargo capacity is around 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) as follows:

• Dry cargo: 1,319 kg (2,908 lb)
• Fuel: 709 kg (1,563 lb)
• Compressed air: 40 kg (88 lb)
• Water: 420 kg (930 lb)