Failed ISS Supply Spacecraft Is Falling Back to Earth After Losing Control
An unmanned Russian spacecraft is falling back to Earth after its resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) failed. The Progress 59 cargo craft launched successfully on April 28th but broke into a dizzying spin shortly after reaching orbit and detaching from its booster rockets. NASA spokesperson Rob Navias said yesterday that the docking procedure between the ISS and Progress 59 had been “indefinitely postponed,” but Russian officials have now confirmed that the craft is out of control.
“It has started descending. It has nowhere else to go,” said an anonymous official quoted by AFP. “It is clear that absolutely uncontrollable reactions have begun.”
Roscosmos — Russia’s space agency — is expected to give an official statement on Progress 59 later today. Although the spacecraft is carrying more than 6,000 pounds of fuel, food, medical supplies, and spare parts, NASA says there is no danger of the six-person crew aboard the ISS running out of provisions before the next resupply mission.
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