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Wednesday, September 29, 2021

CONTEXT: Soyuz MS-18 Repositioned to Nauka Module on International Space Station

Yesterday, 2021-09-28, the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft was undocked from the Rassvet module on the Russian segment of the International Space Station and flown around to the other side of the station where it was docked to a port on the new Nauka module, the first time that port was used. This frees the Rassvet port for the docking of Soyuz MS-19, scheduled to launch on October 5th. Since the Nauka port had not been previously used, the repositioning allowed it to be tested before both ports were required by the arrival of the new Soyuz. Even for such a brief maneuver, the Soyuz crew prepares as if for a return to Earth, as failure to re-dock, for whatever reason, would require they de-orbit and land in Kazakhstan.

This is a time lapse of the repositioning.

And here is the complete operation as it occurred (one hour and 14 minute video).

Posted at September 29, 2021 11:24