# Progress M-56

> Russian cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q4379859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4379859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-56)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-56

## Summary
Progress M-56 was a Russian cargo spacecraft launched on April 24, 2006, as part of the Progress-M series. It was used to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) and was launched from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. The spacecraft reentered Earth's atmosphere on September 19, 2006.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Progress-M (a type of Russian cargo spacecraft)
- **Launch Date**: April 24, 2006
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-013A
- **Orbit Decay**: September 19, 2006
- **Predecessor**: Progress M-55
- **Successor**: Progress M-57
- **Aliases**: Progress 21, プログレス21, 21P
- **Image**: [Progress M-56](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Progress_M-56.jpg)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress M-56?
A: Progress M-56 was a Russian cargo spacecraft designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) with supplies, fuel, and other essential materials.

### Q: Which rocket launched Progress M-56?
A: Progress M-56 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start on April 24, 2006.

### Q: How long was Progress M-56 in orbit?
A: Progress M-56 remained in orbit until it reentered Earth's atmosphere on September 19, 2006.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Progress M-56?
A: The COSPAR ID for Progress M-56 is 2006-013A.

### Q: What were the predecessor and successor of Progress M-56?
A: Progress M-56 was preceded by Progress M-55 and succeeded by Progress M-57.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-56 played a crucial role in maintaining the International Space Station (ISS) by delivering necessary supplies, fuel, and equipment. As part of the Progress-M series, it was a reliable cargo spacecraft used by Russia to support ISS operations. Its launch and reentry marked a standard mission in the broader context of space resupply efforts. The spacecraft's successful deployment and eventual reentry demonstrated the effectiveness of the Soyuz-U rocket and the Progress-M design in supporting long-duration space missions.

## Notable For
- **Standard Resupply Mission**: Progress M-56 followed the typical mission profile of the Progress-M series, ensuring continuous supply to the ISS.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: The spacecraft was launched using the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable variant of the Soyuz family of rockets.
- **Orbital Lifespan**: The spacecraft remained in orbit until September 19, 2006, completing its mission as intended.
- **Predecessor-Successor Relationship**: Progress M-56 was part of a sequence of Progress-M spacecraft, with Progress M-55 preceding it and Progress M-57 following it.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Progress M-56 was launched on April 24, 2006, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. It was part of the Progress-M series, which was designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft carried supplies, fuel, and other essential materials for the ISS crew.

### Orbital Decay
Progress M-56 reentered Earth's atmosphere on September 19, 2006, marking the end of its mission. The spacecraft had completed its resupply duties and was no longer needed in orbit.

### Predecessor and Successor
Progress M-56 was preceded by Progress M-55 and succeeded by Progress M-57, both of which were also part of the Progress-M series. This sequence ensured a continuous supply chain for the ISS.

### Technical Specifications
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-013A
- **Orbit Decay**: September 19, 2006

### Aliases and Identifiers
Progress M-56 is also known by the aliases Progress 21, プログレス21, and 21P. These identifiers reflect its role in the broader context of Russian space missions.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Progress M-56",
  "description": "Russian cargo spacecraft launched on April 24, 2006, to resupply the International Space Station.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29057",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-56"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft"
}

## References

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