# Progress 21

> Soviet uncrewed Progress cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q10639631](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10639631)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_21)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-21

## Summary
Progress 21 was a Soviet uncrewed Progress cargo spacecraft launched on May 7, 1984, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 aboard a Soyuz-U rocket. It was part of the Progress 7K-TG class, designed to resupply Soviet space stations.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Progress 7K-TG
- **Launch date**: May 7, 1984
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **COSPAR ID**: 1984-042A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 14961
- **Instance of**: Progress 7K-TG spacecraft
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch on May 7, 1984, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

## FAQs
### Q: What was Progress 21?
A: Progress 21 was a Soviet uncrewed cargo spacecraft of the Progress 7K-TG class, launched on May 7, 1984, to resupply space stations.

### Q: Which rocket launched Progress 21?
A: Progress 21 was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on May 7, 1984.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Progress 21?
A: The COSPAR ID for Progress 21 is 1984-042A.

### Q: What was the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of Progress 21?
A: The SCN for Progress 21 is 14961.

### Q: What was the significance of Progress 21?
A: Progress 21 was part of the Soviet Progress spacecraft series, which played a crucial role in resupplying space stations during the Cold War era.

## Why It Matters
Progress 21 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive space program, which included the development of the Progress spacecraft to support long-duration missions in space. The Progress series was designed to deliver supplies, fuel, and other necessities to space stations like Salyut and later Mir. Its launches were critical for maintaining the Soviet presence in space, particularly during the Cold War when competition with the United States was intense. The spacecraft's ability to autonomously dock with space stations demonstrated Soviet engineering prowess and contributed to the broader goals of space exploration and national prestige.

## Notable For
- **First of its class**: Progress 21 was one of the earliest missions in the Progress 7K-TG series.
- **Soviet space resupply**: It was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in space.
- **Cold War significance**: The spacecraft played a role in the geopolitical competition between the Soviet Union and the United States.
- **Autonomous docking**: Progress 21, like other spacecraft in its class, could dock with space stations without crew intervention.
- **Technological advancement**: The mission contributed to the development of spacecraft technology during the Soviet era.

## Body
### Overview
Progress 21 was a Soviet uncrewed cargo spacecraft launched on May 7, 1984, as part of the Progress 7K-TG series. It was designed to resupply space stations, delivering essential supplies, fuel, and other materials to sustain long-duration missions.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date**: May 7, 1984
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **COSPAR ID**: 1984-042A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 14961

### Mission Significance
Progress 21 was part of the Soviet Union's broader space program, which aimed to maintain a presence in space during the Cold War. The spacecraft's ability to autonomously dock with space stations was a key technological achievement, supporting the Soviet Union's goals in space exploration and competition with the United States.

### Technological Features
- **Class**: Progress 7K-TG
- **Autonomous docking**: Capable of docking with space stations without crew intervention
- **Resupply mission**: Delivered supplies, fuel, and other necessities to space stations

### Historical Context
The Progress spacecraft series was crucial for the Soviet Union's space program, particularly during the era of the Salyut and Mir space stations. The missions contributed to the advancement of spacecraft technology and the broader goals of space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report