# Progress M-42

> Russian cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q4379839](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4379839)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-42)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-42

## Summary
Progress M-42 was a Russian cargo spacecraft launched in 1999 to resupply the Mir space station. It was part of the Progress-M class and carried critical supplies, including fuel, water, and scientific equipment. The spacecraft operated until its atmospheric re-entry in 2000.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 16, 1999
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start (Baikonur Cosmodrome)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-038A
- **Country**: Russia
- **Preceded By**: Progress M-41
- **Followed By**: Progress M1-1
- **Orbit Decay Date**: February 2, 2000
- **Mission**: Delivered supplies to Mir space station

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress M-42?
A: Progress M-42 was launched to resupply the Mir space station with cargo, including fuel, water, and equipment, supporting the crew and scientific operations.

### Q: When did Progress M-42 launch and return to Earth?
A: It launched on July 16, 1999, and re-entered the atmosphere on February 2, 2000.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Progress M-42?
A: The spacecraft was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family developed by the Soviet Union.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-42 played a vital role in sustaining the Mir space station, ensuring the survival of its crew and the continuation of scientific research. As part of the Progress-M series, it exemplified Russia's capability to maintain a consistent supply chain to space stations, a critical requirement for long-duration missions. Its successful mission underscored the reliability of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle and the Progress spacecraft design, which were cornerstones of Russia's space program during the 1990s. The spacecraft's operations also highlighted international cooperation, as Mir hosted astronauts from multiple countries during its operational lifetime.

## Notable For
- **Reliable Resupply Mission**: Successfully delivered essential resources to Mir, ensuring the station's continued operation.
- **Precise Launch and Decay Timeline**: Operated for approximately 6 months before intentional deorbiting, demonstrating controlled mission management.
- **Part of a Legacy Series**: Contributed to the Progress-M class's reputation for dependable cargo delivery, which later supported the International Space Station.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
- **Date**: July 16, 1999
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-U (a Soviet-designed launch vehicle)
- **Site**: Gagarin's Start, Pad 1/5 at Baikonur Cosmodrome
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-038A (assigned to track the spacecraft in orbit)

### Mission
- **Purpose**: Resupply Mir with propellant, water, food, and experimental hardware.
- **Operations**: Docked with Mir to transfer cargo, then remained attached until undocking for deorbiting.

### Atmospheric Entry
- **Decay Date**: February 2, 2000
- **Outcome**: Intentionally deorbited over the Pacific Ocean after completing its mission.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Spacecraft",
  "name": "Progress M-42",
  "description": "Russian cargo spacecraft launched in 1999 to resupply the Mir space station",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-42",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25858",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-42"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Progress-M class spacecraft",
  "manufacturer": "Russia",
  "dateLaunched": "1999-07-16",
  "launchVehicle": "Soyuz-U"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report