MIRNEWS.206

Progress-M21 launched for a flight to the MIR-spacestation.

The freighter Progress-M21 was launched from Baykonur on
28.01.94 at 0213UTC. Already at 0514UTC the transmissions of
Pr-M21 on 166, 165 and 922.755 mc could be heard. During the
rest of Pr-M21's passes within our range the transmitters
worked continuously. Pr-M21 will deliver supplies, food,
water, fuel, equipment, spareparts and post to the MIR-complex.
Pr-M21 does not carry a VBK (ballistic return capsule).
This crew (the 15th Main Expedition) will receive another 2
Pr-M-s. The first one, the Pr-M22, will start on 16 (or:18)
March 1994. Pr-M22 will not carry a VBK. Pr-M23 is on schedule
for launch on 18 (or:20) May 1994 and will have a VBK on
board.

Expected docking time of Pr-M21 to MIR:

On 30.01.94 at abt. 0354UTC Pr-M21 will dock to MIR's aft
(Kvant-1) docking port. The approach and docking will be
automatically with the system Kurs. Afanasyev will be standby
with the TORU (tele-orientation and command regime) which
might enable him to take over manually in case of a Kurssystem
failure.

Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.