# Progress 27

> Soviet uncrewed Progress cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q10639638](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10639638)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_27)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-27

## Summary  
Progress 27 was a Soviet uncrewed cargo spacecraft, part of the Progress 7K-TG series, launched to resupply space stations. It launched on January 16, 1987, atop a Soyuz-U2 rocket from Gagarin's Start. Its mission supported the continued operation of the Salyut program.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on January 16, 1987  
- COSPAR ID: 1987-005A  
- Spacecraft number (SCN): 17299  
- Instance of: Progress 7K-TG class  
- Launch site: Gagarin's Start  
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U2  
- Significant event: Rocket launch on 1987-01-16 at Gagarin's Start  
- Wikipedia titles: "Progress 27" (English, Swedish)  
- Wikidata description: Soviet uncrewed Progress cargo spacecraft  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was Progress 27 used for?  
A: Progress 27 was an uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed to deliver supplies such as food, water, fuel, and equipment to Soviet space stations like those in the Salyut program.

### Q: When was Progress 27 launched?  
A: Progress 27 was launched on January 16, 1987.

### Q: Which rocket carried Progress 27 into orbit?  
A: Progress 27 was launched using a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket.

## Why It Matters  
Progress 27 represents one of many critical logistical missions during the later years of the Soviet Union’s Salyut space station program. As part of the automated Progress fleet, it enabled long-duration human presence in low Earth orbit by delivering essential cargo without requiring crewed flights. These resupply capabilities were foundational to sustaining orbital operations and paved the way for future international cooperation in space logistics, including contributions to Mir and later the International Space Station.

## Notable For  
- Part of the reliable Progress 7K-TG series known for successful cargo delivery missions  
- One of the final launches in support of the Salyut program before focus shifted to Mir  
- Used the upgraded Soyuz-U2 launch vehicle with improved performance over earlier models  
- Assigned SCN identifier 17299, tracked under COSPAR ID 1987-005A  
- Demonstrated mature automation in docking and cargo transfer technologies  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
Progress 27 was an uncrewed cargo spacecraft operated by the Soviet Union as part of the Progress 7K-TG series. Designed primarily to resupply orbiting space stations, it transported vital resources including propellant, air, food, and scientific equipment.

### Launch Details  
The spacecraft was launched on **January 16, 1987**, from **Gagarin's Start** launch facility. The launch occurred under normal conditions and followed standard procedures for Progress-class vehicles.

### Launch Vehicle  
It utilized the **Soyuz-U2** rocket, a variant of the widely used Soyuz launcher family. This version incorporated modifications that enhanced payload capacity and reliability compared to earlier iterations.

### Classification & Identification  
Progress 27 is classified as an instance of the **Progress 7K-TG** spacecraft model. It has been assigned several identifiers:
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): **17299**
- COSPAR ID: **1987-005A**

These identifiers are referenced across authoritative databases such as Wikidata and academic aerospace sources.

### Operational Context  
As part of the broader Salyut program infrastructure, Progress 27 contributed to maintaining continuous habitation aboard Soviet space stations through regular supply runs. Its design allowed for autonomous docking and efficient cargo transfer, reducing reliance on crewed logistics flights.

### Legacy  
Though not marked by groundbreaking innovations, Progress 27 exemplifies the robustness and continuity of Soviet-era space logistics systems. Its success helped establish operational precedents later adopted in servicing the Mir space station and influenced modern cargo programs worldwide.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report