# Progress M-3

> progress resupply mission to Mir

**Wikidata**: [Q7248561](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7248561)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-3

## Summary
Progress M-3 was an uncrewed resupply mission launched to provide cargo and supplies to the Mir space station. It belonged to the Progress-M class of spacecraft, which are specifically designed for the logistical support of orbital stations.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Progress-M class resupply spacecraft.
- **Mission Purpose:** Resupply mission for the Mir space station.
- **Launch Date:** February 28, 1990.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket.
- **Launch Site:** Gagarin's Start.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 20513.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1990-020A.
- **Freebase ID:** /m/07k8l2r.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary objective of Progress M-3?
A: Progress M-3 was a dedicated resupply mission for the Mir space station. Its purpose was to deliver essential supplies and cargo to ensure the continued operation of the orbital facility.

### Q: When did Progress M-3 launch and what rocket did it use?
A: The spacecraft was launched on February 28, 1990. It was carried into orbit by a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket.

### Q: Where did the Progress M-3 mission begin?
A: The mission launched from Gagarin's Start, a historic launch site used for various missions within the Soviet and Russian space programs.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-3 was a critical component of the logistical framework supporting the Mir space station. As a resupply mission, its primary significance lies in its ability to sustain long-duration space flight by delivering essential consumables, equipment, and fuel to the station's crew. This mission utilized the Progress-M class of spacecraft, which represents a specialized evolution of resupply technology designed for orbital docking and cargo transfer. The use of the Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket for the launch on February 28, 1990, highlights the reliance on specific launch systems to achieve precise orbital insertion for rendezvous with Mir.

By launching from Gagarin's Start, Progress M-3 utilized one of the most historically significant launch facilities in the world, further integrating the mission into the broader context of space exploration history. The mission's success was vital for the continued operation of Mir, as space stations cannot remain functional without regular deliveries from Earth. Progress M-3 exemplifies the routine yet essential nature of space logistics, providing the necessary bridge between Earth-bound resources and the requirements of an orbital laboratory. Its role in the Mir program underscores the importance of reliable, uncrewed cargo vehicles in maintaining a permanent human presence in space.

## Notable For
- **Mir Resupply:** Specifically designated as a cargo mission to support the Mir space station.
- **Progress-M Series:** An instance of the Progress-M class, a specialized category of resupply spacecraft.
- **Soyuz-U2 Launch:** One of the missions successfully deployed using the Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket.
- **Historic Launch Site:** Launched from Gagarin's Start, the same facility used for the first human spaceflight.

## Body

### Mission Overview
Progress M-3 was an uncrewed resupply mission launched to support the Mir space station. It is classified as an instance of the Progress-M spacecraft series, which is specifically designed for transporting supplies to orbital stations. The mission is identified in international databases by the COSPAR ID 1990-020A and the Satellite Catalog Number 20513.

### Launch and Deployment
The mission commenced on February 28, 1990. The spacecraft was carried into orbit by a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket. The launch took place at Gagarin's Start, a significant launch site within the space program's infrastructure. This event is categorized as a significant rocket launch involving the Soyuz-U2 vehicle and the Progress-M spacecraft.

### Technical Classification
- **Instance of:** Progress-M class spacecraft.
- **Carrier Rocket:** Soyuz-U2.
- **Launch Site:** Gagarin's Start.
- **Mission Target:** Mir space station.

The Progress-M class is a specific type of spacecraft used to resupply space stations, and Progress M-3 served as a functional mission within this class to maintain the Mir orbital complex. The mission is documented across several languages, including English, Greek, Japanese, and Swedish.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report