# Progress M-16M

> Russian spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q4379823](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4379823)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-16M)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-16m

## Summary
Progress M-16M was a Russian spacecraft used to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on August 1, 2012, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket, it was part of the Progress-M series and carried supplies to the ISS. It reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 9, 2013, completing its mission.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Progress-M, a spacecraft used for resupply missions to space stations.
- **Launch Date**: August 1, 2012.
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start, Soviet Union (now Russia).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-042A.
- **Predecessor**: Progress M-15M.
- **Successor**: Progress M-17M.
- **Orbit Decay**: February 9, 2013.
- **Aliases**: プログレス48, 48P.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q38738.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress M-16M?
A: Progress M-16M was a Russian resupply spacecraft designed to deliver cargo, fuel, and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

### Q: When was Progress M-16M launched?
A: It was launched on August 1, 2012, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What was the lifespan of Progress M-16M?
A: Progress M-16M reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 9, 2013, marking the end of its operational lifespan.

### Q: What was the relationship between Progress M-16M and other Progress spacecraft?
A: Progress M-16M followed Progress M-15M and was succeeded by Progress M-17M in the sequence of Russian resupply missions to the ISS.

### Q: What was the significance of Progress M-16M's launch?
A: Progress M-16M was part of Russia's ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable resupply chain for the ISS, ensuring astronauts had access to necessary resources.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-16M played a crucial role in sustaining the International Space Station (ISS) by delivering essential supplies, including food, water, oxygen, and scientific equipment. As part of the Progress-M series, it was a critical component of Russia's space resupply program, ensuring the ISS crew had the necessary resources for their missions. Its successful launch and reentry demonstrated the reliability of the Soyuz-U rocket and the Progress spacecraft design. The mission highlighted Russia's continued commitment to international collaboration in space exploration, reinforcing its partnership with other space agencies, including NASA. By maintaining a steady flow of supplies, Progress M-16M contributed to the ongoing scientific research and human presence in space, advancing our understanding of long-duration spaceflight and paving the way for future exploration.

## Notable For
- **Resupply Mission**: Successfully delivered cargo to the ISS, supporting astronauts and scientific research.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized the Soyuz-U rocket, a proven launch vehicle for resupply missions.
- **Sequential Resupply**: Followed Progress M-15M and preceded Progress M-17M, maintaining a continuous resupply capability.
- **Russian Space Program**: Demonstrated Russia's ongoing contributions to international space collaboration.
- **Atmospheric Reentry**: Completed its mission with a controlled reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

## Body
### Overview
Progress M-16M was a Russian spacecraft belonging to the Progress-M series, designed for resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS). It was launched on August 1, 2012, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. The spacecraft carried supplies, including food, water, oxygen, and scientific equipment, to support the ISS crew and ongoing research.

### Mission Details
- **Launch**: August 1, 2012, from Gagarin's Start.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-042A.
- **Predecessor**: Progress M-15M.
- **Successor**: Progress M-17M.
- **Orbit Decay**: February 9, 2013.

### Significance
Progress M-16M was part of Russia's ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable resupply chain for the ISS. Its successful mission highlighted the effectiveness of the Soyuz-U rocket and the Progress spacecraft design. The spacecraft's reentry on February 9, 2013, marked the end of its operational lifespan.

### Related Entities
- **Progress-M**: The class of spacecraft to which Progress M-16M belongs.
- **Soyuz-U**: The rocket design variant used to launch Progress M-16M.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Progress M-16M",
  "description": "Russian spacecraft used to resupply the International Space Station.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38738", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-16M"],
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013