# Progress MS-03

> Cargo resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q23927032](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23927032)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_MS-03)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-ms-03

## Summary
Progress MS-03 was a cargo resupply spacecraft launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 16, 2016. Operated by Roscosmos, it was part of the Progress MS series, designed to deliver supplies, fuel, and equipment to the ISS.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 16, 2016
- **Operator**: Roscosmos State Corporation
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket
- **Docking Port**: Pirs (nadir)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-045A
- **Preceded by**: Progress MS-02
- **Followed by**: Progress MS-04 (a failed mission)
- **Aliases**: Progress 64, PROGRESS MS-03, Прогресс МC-03
- **Instance of**: Progress MS class of spacecraft
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress MS-03?
A: Progress MS-03 was a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, delivering supplies, fuel, and equipment to support the crew and operations aboard the ISS.

### Q: When was Progress MS-03 launched?
A: Progress MS-03 was launched on July 16, 2016, using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What happened to Progress MS-04, the mission that followed Progress MS-03?
A: Progress MS-04 was a failed resupply mission to the International Space Station.

### Q: Where did Progress MS-03 dock at the ISS?
A: Progress MS-03 docked at the Pirs module of the ISS, specifically at the nadir port.

### Q: Who operated Progress MS-03?
A: Progress MS-03 was operated by the Roscosmos State Corporation.

## Why It Matters
Progress MS-03 played a crucial role in maintaining the operations and sustainability of the International Space Station. As a cargo resupply spacecraft, it ensured that the crew aboard the ISS had the necessary supplies, fuel, and equipment to continue their scientific research and daily activities. The Progress MS series, including MS-03, is vital for the ongoing support of human spaceflight and international cooperation in space exploration. The successful completion of such missions highlights the importance of reliable and efficient cargo delivery systems in sustaining long-duration space missions.

## Notable For
- **Successful Mission**: Progress MS-03 successfully completed its resupply mission to the ISS.
- **Part of Progress MS Series**: It was part of the advanced Progress MS series, which includes improved systems and capabilities over previous versions.
- **Docking at Pirs**: The spacecraft docked at the Pirs module, a key docking port for Russian spacecraft at the ISS.
- **Predecessor to a Failed Mission**: It was followed by Progress MS-04, which failed, highlighting the importance of successful missions like MS-03.
- **International Cooperation**: The mission underscored the collaborative efforts between Roscosmos and international partners in supporting the ISS.

## Body
### Launch and Mission Details
Progress MS-03 was launched on July 16, 2016, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The spacecraft was carried into orbit by a Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable and widely used launch vehicle developed during the Soviet era. The mission was operated by Roscosmos, the Russian state corporation responsible for space activities.

### Docking and Operations
Upon reaching the International Space Station, Progress MS-03 docked at the Pirs module, specifically at the nadir port. The Pirs module served as a docking compartment and airlock for Russian spacecraft. The successful docking allowed for the transfer of cargo, including food, water, fuel, and scientific equipment, to the ISS.

### Cargo and Supplies
Progress MS-03 carried a variety of supplies essential for the crew and operations aboard the ISS. These included:
- **Food and Water**: Necessary for the sustenance of the crew.
- **Fuel**: Used for maintaining the ISS's orbit and operations.
- **Scientific Equipment**: Supporting ongoing research and experiments.
- **Other Essentials**: Such as spare parts and personal items for the crew.

### Significance in the Progress MS Series
Progress MS-03 was part of the Progress MS series, an upgraded version of the Progress spacecraft. The MS series featured improved systems, including:
- **Enhanced Navigation**: Better navigation and control systems.
- **Increased Redundancy**: Improved reliability and safety.
- **Modernized Communications**: Upgraded communication systems for better data transmission.

### Follow-Up Mission
The mission that followed Progress MS-03 was Progress MS-04, which unfortunately failed. This failure highlighted the importance of successful missions like MS-03 in ensuring the continuous support and resupply of the ISS.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Progress MS-03",
  "description": "Cargo resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_MS-03",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24897000",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_MS-03"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report