On 21 April, the Progress MS-32 cargo spacecraft successfully undocked from the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) and was de orbited as planned. A key enabler of this operation was the Loutch Multipurpose Space Relay System, which provided real time telemetry transmission from the cargo vehicle to the Mission Control Centre and relayed critical command signals back to the spacecraft.
On 26 April, Russia launched the new Progress MS-34 cargo spacecraft. Following the launch, the spacecraft passed beyond direct line of sight with ground stations, and was immediately handed over to the Loutch Multipurpose Space Relay System for seamless communications between the vehicle and the Mission Control Centre (MCC). The subsequent docking of the Progress MS-34 with the International Space Station was supported by real time telemetry transmission to the MCC. This critical data flow was enabled by the Loutch-5A and Loutch-5B relay satellites, ensuring mission controllers maintained full situational awareness throughout the operation.
The use of relay channels provided by the Loutch Multipurpose Space Relay System ensured comprehensive monitoring and control of complex technical operations during missions involving both cargo spacecraft.
The Loutch Multipurpose Space Relay System, developed by RESHETNEV Company for ROSCOSMOS, has been operational since December 2015. The system’s primary mission is to enable real time information exchange between ground stations and low Earth orbit space assets, significantly enhancing control capabilities for Russia’s space missions.
