# Progress M-55

> Russian cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q4379857](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4379857)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-55)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-55

## Summary
Progress M-55 is a Russian cargo spacecraft of the Progress-M class used to resupply space stations. It was launched on December 21, 2005, and operated until June 19, 2006, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

## Key Facts
- Instance of Progress-M spacecraft class designed for cargo resupply missions
- Launch date: December 21, 2005
- Atmospheric entry date: June 19, 2006
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U (Universal variant)
- Launch site: Gagarin's Start
- COSPAR ID: 2005-047A
- Preceded by Progress M-54 and succeeded by Progress M-56
- SC identifier: 28906

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress M-55?
A: Progress M-55 was a Russian cargo spacecraft specifically designed to resupply space stations as part of the Progress-M class.

### Q: When did Progress M-55 launch and when did its mission end?
A: Progress M-55 launched on December 21, 2005, and completed its mission when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 19, 2006.

### Q: What rocket launched Progress M-55?
A: Progress M-55 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket variant from Gagarin's Start.

### Q: How does Progress M-55 relate to other spacecraft in the series?
A: Progress M-55 was part of the Progress-M sequence, specifically following Progress M-54 and preceding Progress M-56.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-55 represents a critical component in maintaining human presence in space by delivering essential supplies, equipment, and propellant to space stations. As part of the long-running Progress-M series, this spacecraft contributed to the logistical infrastructure that enables astronauts and cosmonauts to conduct extended missions in orbit. These cargo missions are vital for sustaining scientific research on the International Space Station and other orbital facilities, making Progress M-55 an important link in the chain of space exploration that allows humans to live and work in space for extended periods.

## Notable For
- Part of the Progress-M class of spacecraft designed specifically for cargo resupply missions to space stations
- Launched on December 21, 2005, using a Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start
- Had COSPAR ID 2005-047A and SCN 28906
- Operated between December 21, 2005, and June 19, 2006
- Aliases include プログレス20 and 20P

## Body
### Overview
Progress M-55 was a Russian cargo spacecraft that served as part of the Progress-M series, which has been a cornerstone of space station logistics for decades. This specific spacecraft operated for approximately six months, performing its resupply duties before re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

### Technical Specifications
- Class: Progress-M (spacecraft for resupplying space stations)
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U (Universal variant)
- Launch site: Gagarin's Start
- COSPAR ID: 2005-047A
- SCN: 28906
- Aliases: プログレス20, 20P
- Sitelink count: 6

### Mission Timeline
- Launch: December 21, 2005
- Atmospheric entry: June 19, 2006

### Related Spacecraft
- Same class: Progress-M (used for resupplying space stations)
- Predecessor: Progress M-54
- Successor: Progress M-56
- Launch vehicle family: Soyuz-U (designed in the Soviet Union)

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Progress M-55",
  "description": "Russian cargo spacecraft of the Progress-M class launched in 2005",
  "url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Progress_M-55_undocking_from_ISS.jpg",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28906",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-55"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Progress-M"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report