# Progress MS-08

> cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q26696186](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26696186)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_MS-08)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-ms-08

## Summary
Progress MS-08 was a Russian cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launched on February 13, 2018, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It delivered supplies and docked with the ISS on February 15, remaining attached until its undocking on August 23, 2018.

## Key Facts
- **Mission type**: Cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station
- **Launch date**: February 13, 2018
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome
- **Docking date**: February 15, 2018 (at the Zvezda module)
- **Undocking date**: August 23, 2018
- **Operator**: Roscosmos State Corporation
- **Preceded by**: Progress MS-07
- **Followed by**: Progress MS-09
- **Spacecraft class**: Progress MS (variant of the Progress expendable cargo spacecraft)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-019A
- **Aliases**: Progress 69, 69P

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress MS-08?
A: Progress MS-08 was a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, delivering supplies, fuel, and other essentials to the crew aboard the ISS.

### Q: How long did Progress MS-08 remain docked to the ISS?
A: Progress MS-08 docked with the ISS on February 15, 2018, and remained attached until its undocking on August 23, 2018.

### Q: Which rocket launched Progress MS-08?
A: Progress MS-08 was launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on February 13, 2018.

### Q: What was the significance of Progress MS-08 in the ISS resupply chain?
A: Progress MS-08 was part of a series of Russian cargo missions to the ISS, ensuring a continuous supply of food, water, oxygen, and scientific equipment for the station's crew.

### Q: How does Progress MS-08 compare to other Progress spacecraft?
A: Progress MS-08 is part of the Progress MS series, which represents an upgraded variant of the traditional Progress spacecraft, featuring improved navigation and docking systems.

## Why It Matters
Progress MS-08 played a crucial role in maintaining the International Space Station's operations by delivering essential supplies, including food, water, oxygen, and scientific equipment. Its successful launch, docking, and undocking demonstrated the reliability of the Russian resupply system, which remains a vital component of the ISS's sustainability. The mission also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Roscosmos and international partners in supporting long-duration human spaceflight. By ensuring a steady flow of cargo, Progress MS-08 contributed to the continuous research and habitation aboard the ISS, advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First mission in the Progress MS series**: Progress MS-08 was part of the modernized Progress MS spacecraft, which introduced advanced navigation and docking systems.
- **Long-duration stay**: The spacecraft remained docked to the ISS for approximately six months, providing a stable platform for cargo transfer.
- **Russian resupply capability**: The mission underscored Russia's continued role in supporting the ISS through regular cargo deliveries.
- **Precise docking**: Progress MS-08 successfully docked with the Zvezda module, demonstrating the spacecraft's reliability in automated docking procedures.
- **Part of the ISS supply chain**: The mission was a key link in the broader network of resupply missions, ensuring the ISS crew had access to necessary resources.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Progress MS-08 was the 69th flight of a Progress spacecraft and the eighth in the modernized Progress MS series. It was launched on February 13, 2018, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1a rocket. The mission was operated by Roscosmos State Corporation, marking another successful resupply effort to the ISS.

### Launch and Ascent
The spacecraft launched at 19:13 UTC on February 13, 2018, from Site 31/6 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The Soyuz-2.1a rocket performed nominally, placing Progress MS-08 into its intended orbit. The spacecraft then began its autonomous rendezvous with the ISS.

### Docking and Operations
Progress MS-08 docked with the Zvezda module of the ISS on February 15, 2018. The docking was executed autonomously, with the spacecraft's Kurs-NA docking system guiding it to the correct berthing port. Once docked, the crew aboard the ISS unloaded the cargo, which included approximately 2,400 kilograms of supplies, including food, water, oxygen, and scientific equipment.

### Undocking and Deorbit
After completing its mission, Progress MS-08 undocked from the ISS on August 23, 2018. The spacecraft was then deorbited, burning up in Earth's atmosphere as planned, marking the end of its mission.

### Significance in ISS Operations
Progress MS-08 was part of a series of Russian cargo missions that ensured the ISS remained stocked with essential supplies. The mission highlighted the importance of international cooperation in maintaining the ISS, with Roscosmos working alongside NASA and other partners to support long-duration spaceflight. The spacecraft's successful operations reinforced the reliability of the Russian resupply system, which remains a critical component of the ISS's sustainability.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report