# Progress 31

> Soviet uncrewed Progress cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q10639641](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10639641)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_31)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-31

## Summary
Progress 31 was a Soviet uncrewed Progress cargo spacecraft launched on August 3, 1987, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U2 rocket. It was part of the Progress 7K-TG series, designed to resupply the Soviet space station Mir.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Progress 7K-TG
- **Launch date**: August 3, 1987
- **Launch site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-066A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 18283
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch from Gagarin's Start on August 3, 1987
- **Wikipedia availability**: English, Swedish

## FAQs
### Q: What was Progress 31?
A: Progress 31 was a Soviet uncrewed cargo spacecraft launched in 1987 to resupply the Mir space station.

### Q: When was Progress 31 launched?
A: Progress 31 was launched on August 3, 1987, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U2 rocket.

### Q: What type of spacecraft was Progress 31?
A: Progress 31 was part of the Progress 7K-TG series, a Soviet uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed for resupply missions.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Progress 31?
A: Progress 31 was launched by a Soyuz-U2 rocket from Gagarin's Start.

### Q: What was the purpose of Progress 31?
A: The primary purpose of Progress 31 was to deliver supplies, fuel, and other cargo to the Soviet space station Mir.

## Why It Matters
Progress 31 was part of the Soviet space program's efforts to maintain and resupply the Mir space station, which was operational from 1986 to 2001. The Progress spacecraft played a critical role in sustaining long-duration human presence in space, delivering essential supplies and equipment. Its successful launch and mission contributed to the broader achievements of the Soviet space program, including advancements in space logistics and station-keeping. The spacecraft's reliability and efficiency were key to the program's success in conducting scientific research and maintaining the station's operations.

## Notable For
- **First of its class**: Progress 31 was part of the early missions of the Progress 7K-TG series, which were designed to support the Mir space station.
- **Soyuz-U2 launch**: It was launched using the Soyuz-U2 rocket, a variant of the Soyuz-U carrier rocket.
- **Gagarin's Start**: The spacecraft was launched from Gagarin's Start, a historic site in Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- **Cargo delivery**: Progress 31 carried supplies, fuel, and other essentials to Mir, supporting the station's crew and operations.
- **Soviet space legacy**: The mission was part of the Soviet Union's broader efforts to advance space exploration and maintain a presence in low Earth orbit.

## Body
### Classification
Progress 31 was classified as a **Progress 7K-TG**, a series of Soviet uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed for resupply missions to space stations.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date**: August 3, 1987
- **Launch site**: Gagarin's Start, Baikonur Cosmodrome
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U2

### Mission Overview
Progress 31 was launched to deliver supplies, fuel, and other cargo to the **Mir space station**, which was operational from 1986 to 2001. The spacecraft was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to sustain long-duration human presence in space.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-066A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 18283

### Historical Context
The mission was conducted during the peak of the Soviet space program, which included significant achievements such as the launch of the first human-made satellite, Sputnik, and the development of the Soyuz spacecraft for crewed missions. Progress 31 was part of the broader Soviet efforts to advance space exploration and maintain a presence in low Earth orbit.

### Significance
Progress 31 played a crucial role in the Soviet space program by ensuring the continuous operation of the Mir space station. Its successful launch and mission contributed to the program's success in conducting scientific research and maintaining the station's operations. The spacecraft's reliability and efficiency were key to the program's achievements.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report