MIRNEWS.275    11 OCTOBER 1995

PROGRESS-M29 linked up with MIR-spacestation.

On 10.10.1995 at 2033UTC Pr-M29 docked at the aft docking port
of the complex (Kvant-1, axial, +X-axis. The approach was
executed in the automatic mode with the use of the system
Kurs. The crew observed the operation and Gidzenko reported
the relevant data. This took place in the communication session
via Altair from 1948- 2035UTC. During the VHF window be
tween 2019-2027UTC Gidzenko could be heard via both channels.
During the 'kasaniye' (touch) MIR transmitted via a VHF channel
out of our range. During the next 2 passes (2157 and
2334UTC) could be heard that all went well. During the pass at
2157UTC the crew was opening the hatch. The airpressure had
been equalized, but the cosmonauts had to use every effort to
open the hatch. These efforts were awarded at 220436UTC.
Hereafter and during the next pass interesting traffic about
technical aspects regarding the recent docking.

Spacewalk (EVA):

This EVA is still on schedule for 20.10.1995,
but might be put back due to the uncertain situation with the
Shuttle missions STS-73 (Columbia) and STS-74 (Atlantis). If
all goes according to plan Atlantis will blast of on
1.11.1995.

Rumours about Baykonur:

Before the launch of Pr-M29 there have
been rumours that this launch had to be put back due to a
railway-accident near the 'roll-out' track for Pr-M29. There
has been an accident, but a few days before the planned roll-
out the Russians repaired the track.

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