A Soyuz-2.1a rocket carrying with cargo spacecraft Progress МS-08 successfully lifted off at 0813 GMT from the Baikonur Space Centre near Tyuratam in Kazakhstan on 13 February. The launch to orbit took just eight minutes and 48 seconds. However, the spacecraft faces a longer delay in rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station. Instead of the “super-fast” three and half hour approach, the spacecraft has had to use the two day approach due to a “faulty abort command induced launch delay on 11 February which has resulted in a less opportune launch geometry. The docking will now take place on 15 February 2018 under automatic control. The spacecraft is carrying cargo, water, food and propellants.
A Soyuz 2-1a rises from a snow covered scene to carry Progress MS-08 into orbit. Courtesy: Roscosmos
Update on 19 February 2018: After its two day approach following its launch, the Progress MS-08 freighter docked with the aft docking port on the Zvezda module of the International Space Station at 1038 GMT on 15 February.
