JSC Satellite System Gonets (part of the State Corporation Roscosmos) successfully completed its tasks during the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket under the name Donbass with the Progress MS-20 transport cargo ship (TCS).
In ensuring the launch, which was carried out on June 3, 2022 from the Baikonur cosmodrome, the relay channels of the Multifunctional Space Relay System (MSRS) "Loutch" (operator of JSC Satellite Gonets System) were involved. After the Progress MS-20 spacecraft left the radio visibility zone of ground facilities, the Loutch relay system transmitted telemetry information to the Mission Control Center (MCC) of the Russian segment of the International Space Station (RS ISS ) and control commands onto board the transport vehicle.
Currently, the Louts system continues to be used to provide the RS ISS crew with a broadband information transmission channel, including voice, video communication and exchange of large amounts of data with the Earth. In accordance with the established program, up to 20 such sessions are held daily. The use of the Russian Loutch system allows not to use the American TDRSS relay system for information exchange between the MCC and the RS ISS.
The Progress MS-20 cargo ship delivered fuel, water, compressed nitrogen in cylinders to the ISS, as well as almost fifteen hundred kilograms of various equipment and materials in the cargo compartment, including, tools, clothing and fresh food for crew members on board the ISS. According to the flight program, the spacecraft performed a two-turn autonomous rendezvous scheme with the International Space Station (ISS) and docked to the Berth node module of the Russian segment of the ISS on June 3 at 16:02:03 Moscow time.
Donbass at launch site. Photo Roscosmos
MSRS Louts orbit group
