# Progress M-53

> Progress spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q4379854](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4379854)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-53)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-53

## Summary
Progress M-53 was a Progress-M spacecraft launched on June 16, 2005, to resupply space stations. It was part of the long-running Progress cargo spacecraft series that delivered essential supplies to orbiting space stations.

## Key Facts
- Progress M-53 was launched on June 16, 2005, from Gagarin's Start on a Soyuz-U rocket
- It had a mass of 7,261 kilograms
- It was classified as a Progress-M spacecraft used for resupplying space stations
- The spacecraft had an orbital period of 88.708 minutes
- It followed Progress M-52 and was succeeded by Progress M-54 in the mission sequence
- Progress M-53 decayed from orbit on September 7, 2005
- It had a COSPAR ID of 2005-021A and an SCN of 28700
- The spacecraft was also known by aliases including Progress 18, Progress 18P, プログレス18, and 18P

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Progress M-53?
A: Progress M-53 was designed to resupply space stations with essential cargo including fuel, oxygen, water, and other supplies necessary for space station operations.

### Q: When was Progress M-53 launched and how long did its mission last?
A: Progress M-53 was launched on June 16, 2005, and remained in orbit until September 7, 2005, when it intentionally deorbited.

### Q: What rocket launched Progress M-53?
A: Progress M-53 was launched from Gagarin's Start aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable variant of the Soyuz rocket design.

### Q: What were the orbital characteristics of Progress M-53?
A: Progress M-53 had an apoapsis of 255.355 km, a periapsis of 194.5 km, an orbital period of 88.708 minutes, and an orbital inclination of 51.646 degrees.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-53 represented a critical component in the continuous logistics chain supporting human spaceflight operations. As part of the Progress-M series, it sustained the resupply infrastructure that enables long-duration missions in space. The spacecraft delivered essential resources that maintained scientific research capabilities and daily operations on orbiting space stations. Without these routine cargo missions, long-term human presence in space would be impossible, as they provide consumables, replacement parts, and scientific equipment. The successful operation of Progress M-53 demonstrated the reliability and importance of dedicated cargo spacecraft in enabling humanity's continuous presence in space, supporting both crewed missions and scientific exploration.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Progress-M spacecraft series that has supported space station operations since the Soviet era
- Launching aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from the historic Gagarin's Start launch facility
- Having a precise mission timeline with launch on June 16, 2005, and deorbit on September 7, 2005
- Its specific orbital parameters including an 88.708-minute period and 51.646-degree inclination
- Being tracked under multiple designations including Progress 18, Progress 18P, プログレス18, and 18P

## Body
### Mission Overview
Progress M-53 was a cargo spacecraft specifically designed for resupplying space stations. It belonged to the Progress-M class, which has been a cornerstone of space logistics since the Soviet era. The spacecraft successfully delivered essential cargo to support space station operations during its mission.

### Technical Specifications
Progress M-53 had a mass of 7,261 kilograms and was launched from Gagarin's Start on a Soyuz-U rocket. Its orbital characteristics included an apoapsis of 255.355 km, a periapsis of 194.5 km, an orbital period of 88.708 minutes, and an orbital inclination of 51.646 degrees. The spacecraft was assigned the SCN 28700 and COSPAR ID 2005-021A for tracking and identification purposes.

### Mission Timeline
Progress M-53 was launched on June 16, 2005, and followed Progress M-52 in the mission sequence. It remained in orbit until September 7, 2005, when it was intentionally deorbited. The spacecraft was succeeded by Progress M-54, continuing the pattern of regular cargo missions to support space station operations.

### Tracking and Identification
Progress M-53 is tracked by multiple identifiers including its SCN (28700), COSPAR ID (2005-021A), and various aliases such as Progress 18, Progress 18P, プログレス18, and 18P. The spacecraft has documentation in multiple languages including English, Russian, Japanese, Greek, and Swedish, reflecting its international significance in space operations.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Progress M-53",
  "description": "A Progress-M spacecraft launched on June 16, 2005, to resupply space stations",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-53",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report