# Progress MS-07

> cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q26696018](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26696018)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_MS-07)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-ms-07

## Summary
Progress MS-07 is a Russian expendable cargo spacecraft mission operated by Roscosmos to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on October 14, 2017, it is a variant of the Progress MS class and is also designated by the aliases Progress 68 or 68P.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** October 14, 2017
- **Operator:** Roscosmos State Corporation
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-2.1a rocket
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Docking Port:** Pirs (nadir position)
- **Docking Date:** October 16, 2017
- **Undocking Date:** March 28, 2018
- **Classification:** Progress MS class (expendable cargo spacecraft)
- **Preceded by:** Progress MS-06
- **Succeeded by:** Progress MS-08
- **Identification IDs:** COSPAR 2017-065A; SCN 42971

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the Progress MS-07 mission?
A: Progress MS-07 was a cargo resupply mission dedicated to delivering essential supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. It served as a logistical link to support the station's crew and ongoing operations.

### Q: How long did Progress MS-07 remain at the International Space Station?
A: The spacecraft docked with the ISS on October 16, 2017, and remained there until March 28, 2018. This resulted in a total mission duration at the station of approximately five months.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Progress MS-07?
A: The mission was launched using a Soyuz-2.1a rocket. This vehicle is a specific version of the Soyuz-2 rocket class used by Russia for various orbital missions.

## Why It Matters
Progress MS-07 represents a vital component of the international effort to maintain a continuous human presence in space. As an expendable cargo vehicle, it solved the critical problem of replenishing the International Space Station's consumables, scientific hardware, and fuel. Operated by Roscosmos, the mission highlights the reliability of the Progress MS class of spacecraft and the Soyuz-2.1a launch system. 

The success of Progress MS-07 ensured the continuity of operations between the preceding Progress MS-06 and the subsequent Progress MS-08 missions. By docking at the Pirs nadir port, it demonstrated the precision required for automated rendezvous and berthing with the orbital laboratory. Such missions are essential for the sustainability of the ISS, enabling long-term scientific research and the testing of technologies necessary for future deep-space exploration.

## Notable For
- **Mission Sequence:** It served as the direct successor to Progress MS-06 and was followed by Progress MS-08 in the ISS resupply timeline.
- **Modernized Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Soyuz-2.1a, a specific version of the Soyuz-2 rocket class.
- **Extended Stay:** Maintained a docked presence at the International Space Station for over five months between late 2017 and early 2018.
- **Specific Docking Location:** Successfully utilized the nadir port of the Pirs docking compartment.

## Body

### Mission Overview
Progress MS-07, also known as Progress 68 or 68P, was a Russian cargo resupply flight to the International Space Station. The mission was carried out by the Roscosmos State Corporation using the Progress MS class of expendable spacecraft. It is identified in satellite catalogs as SCN 42971 and by the COSPAR ID 2017-065A.

### Launch and Transit
The mission commenced on October 14, 2017, with a rocket launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The spacecraft was propelled into orbit by a Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle. Following its launch, the spacecraft underwent a two-day transit period to reach the International Space Station.

### ISS Operations and Docking
Progress MS-07 reached the International Space Station on October 16, 2017. Key operational details include:
- **Docking Port:** The spacecraft docked at the Pirs nadir port.
- **Duration:** The vessel remained attached to the station for several months to facilitate cargo transfer and station support.
- **Undocking:** The mission concluded its stay at the ISS on March 28, 2018, when it performed its scheduled undocking.

### Technical Classification
The spacecraft is an instance of the Progress MS class, which is a specific variant of the long-running Progress expendable cargo spacecraft series. This class is designed specifically for the logistical support of orbital stations, carrying fuel, water, food, and scientific equipment.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report