MIRNEWS.437    1 SEPTEMBER 1998

Progress-M39:

This freighter linked up with the aft docking port of MIR on 1.09.1998 at
05.34.58UTC. Approach and docking were executed in the automatic mode with the
system Kurs.

During the pass just before the docking (in orb. 71597, 0522-0531UTC) Padalka
reported distances and approach speeds and that he had seen how the engines of
Pr-M39 worked. Avdeyev observed the approach through a porthole. TsUP (possibly
V. Solovyov) ordered the cosmonauts to be alert to evacuate if this in case of
an emergency was necessary. If he would give this order they had to leave
immediately without doing anything. He assured the crew that the approach
process was proceeding normally.

During the next pass (0657-0708UTC) the cosmonauts had checked the airseal. All
was normal. TsUP asked how the quality of the atmosphere inside the Pr-M39 was.
Padalka said that they had no remarks about that.

Luch-1/Gelios:

This geostationary satellite is now and then in use for MIR - TsUP communications.

Altair-2:

Thusfar 'ni slukhu ni dukhu' (not a word has been heard) from this satellite.

1st spacewalk (EVA, in fact an IVA) Main expedition to MIR nr. 26:

Padalka and Avdeyev will make this Internal Spacewalk on 15.09.1998. They will
work inside the Module Spektr to check and repair sockets for the solar panels.
One of the 3 still effective solar batteries cannot be turned to the right sun
angle. This panel now deliveres only a little bit of power. Restoration of the
rotation possibility might increase the energy from this panel. Every extra
Watt is badly needed.

Progress-M40:

Officially has been stated that this freighter is still scheduled for launch in the
midst of October 1998.

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