MIRNEWS.334    20 NOVEMBER 1996

Successful launch freighter Progress-M33:

This long-expected freighter blasted off from Baykonur on 19.11.1996 at
23 hrs 20 mins and 35 seconds UTC (for Moscow-time and for MEWT already
on 20.11.1996). After some orbits the beacon- and TLM-transmissions could
be monitored over here. The cargo of Pr-M33 consisting of post, food,
spare- parts, containers for human waste and materials for experiments
weighs 1650 KG. In the tank-compartment of Pr-M33 547 KG oxygen, fuel and
water has been stored.Fuel for the MIR-complex itself weighs 2462 KG.
Also among the 547 KG a new supply of nitrogen for the pressurising and
purging of the oxygen-producing Elektron systems. Because of the fact
that there will be no further deliveries of supplies before New Year the
mailbag also contains the Christmas- and New Year post for the crew.

Progress-M32:

This old freighter has to free the port at which she is
docked now for the arrival of the Progress- M33. This is the aft docking
port (Kvant-1, +X-axis). Pr-M32 can abandon the MIR-station for the
systems of her successor are working normally. This will take place on
20.11.1996 at 1945UTC. After a few orbits Pr-M32's engines will be fired
for the de-orbit manoeuvre after which Pr-M32 will burn up over a
designated area in the Pacific East of New Zealand.

Expected time of arrival and docking Progress-M33 at MIR:

This will be on 22.11.1996 at 0100UTC. Progress-M33 has to approach and
dock in the automatic mode by the system Kurs. If this system fails
commander Korzun is ready to conduct the freighter manually with the
system TORU.

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