# Progress M-51

> Russian cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q6589646](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6589646)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-51)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-51

## Summary
Progress M-51 was a Russian cargo spacecraft launched in 2004 to resupply space stations, part of the Progress-M series. It was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket and re-entered Earth's atmosphere in 2005.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 23, 2004
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **COSPAR ID**: 2004-051A
- **Atmospheric Entry**: March 9, 2005
- **Preceded by**: Progress M-50
- **Followed by**: Progress M-52
- **Aliases**: プログレス16, 16P
- **Instance of**: Progress-M spacecraft class
- **Satelite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 28503

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress M-51?
A: Progress M-51 was a cargo spacecraft designed to resupply space stations. It was part of the Progress-M series, which is used to transport supplies, fuel, and equipment to orbiting space stations.

### Q: When was Progress M-51 launched?
A: Progress M-51 was launched on December 23, 2004, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What happened to Progress M-51 after its mission?
A: After completing its mission, Progress M-51 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on March 9, 2005.

### Q: What are the aliases for Progress M-51?
A: Progress M-51 is also known by the aliases プログレス16 and 16P.

### Q: What spacecraft preceded and followed Progress M-51?
A: Progress M-51 was preceded by Progress M-50 and followed by Progress M-52.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-51 played a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to maintain and resupply space stations, ensuring that astronauts and cosmonauts have the necessary supplies and equipment to carry out their missions. As part of the Progress-M series, it contributed to the sustainability of long-duration human spaceflight. The Progress spacecraft series has been instrumental in supporting the International Space Station (ISS) and other space stations, demonstrating the importance of reliable cargo delivery systems in space exploration. The successful launch and operation of Progress M-51 highlighted the capabilities of Russian space technology and the Soyuz-U rocket, reinforcing the country's position in the global space community.

## Notable For
- **Resupply Mission**: Progress M-51 was part of the Progress-M series, which is specifically designed for resupplying space stations.
- **Launch Vehicle**: It was launched using the Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket design.
- **Atmospheric Entry**: The spacecraft successfully re-entered Earth's atmosphere on March 9, 2005, completing its mission.
- **Aliases**: Progress M-51 is known by the aliases プログレス16 and 16P, reflecting its international recognition.
- **COSPAR ID**: It was assigned the COSPAR ID 2004-051A, which is used for tracking and identifying spacecraft.

## Body
### Launch and Mission
Progress M-51 was launched on December 23, 2004, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. The primary purpose of the mission was to resupply a space station, delivering essential cargo such as food, water, fuel, and equipment.

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 28503
- **COSPAR ID**: 2004-051A
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch Date**: December 23, 2004
- **Atmospheric Entry**: March 9, 2005

### Related Spacecraft
- **Preceded by**: Progress M-50
- **Followed by**: Progress M-52

### Aliases
Progress M-51 is also known by the following aliases:
- プログレス16
- 16P

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Progress M-51",
  "description": "Russian cargo spacecraft launched in 2004 to resupply space stations.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-51"],
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft"
}

## References

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