ISSCOM 23 May 2001 (016)

Progress-M1-6: On 23.05.2001 at 00.23.57UTC this freighter docked at the aft docking port of the Zvezda module. Approach and docking were executed in the automatic mode.
Communications: During the first pass for the Netherlands on 23.05.2001 in orbit ISS 14313 several channels were active between 0011 and 0016UTC.
From radio traffic between Usachov and TsUP could be derived that the approach was executed in the automatic mode with the use of the system Kurs, but the TORU system (manual back-up) for TORU signals could be monitored via 121.750 mc and 130.165 mc.

001130UTC 121.750 mc TORU signals.

001300UTC 166.140 mc Telemetry from Progress.

143.625 mc Usachov with TsUP.

130.165 mc TORU signals simultanuously with those on 121.750 mc.

001720UTC LOS (Loss of Signal)

Usachov reports that the operation is proceeding very well, distance 170 Meters Approach speed 004.
The Progress is very well visible, also the solar batteries and the manipulator.
And of course the Progress is moving a little bit downward.
We observe that the Progress is appearing near the centre. The target dish of the station is in the centre.

Distance 164 M Speed 004. So we count on 7 seconds. 056601 076601, docking port in format. The speed increases to 03.
Distance 150 M. All is correct. Distance 145 M speed 06.

Us: Jim (Voss) says that the Progress is stable and visible through the small porthole.

Disance 120 M, speed 072. 118 M speed 07 110M 07.

LOS (Loss of Signal)

Traffic during the 2nd pass for the Nehterlands in orbit 14314 between 01.48.30 and approx. 01.52.40UTC.

Only transmissions via the 143.625 mc. Usachov: We will wait for your command and are working on the preparing operation.
We closed the hooks. We connect the Mano Vacuum Meter (MVM) and check the status of the KKT and the KVD (Valve for Equalisation of the Air pressure. We act according to the pages 4 and 5. Now we can check the air seal with the MVM.
We will open the KKT to check the air seal of the MVM.
So we do not open the KVD. So KVD is closed and in the mode of electro control.

Chris van den Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202