How Russian Progress freighters dispose of trash while resupplying the International Space Station
In short: Russian Progress cargo spacecraft serve a dual purpose for the International Space Station. They deliver essential supplies to the crew and act as disposal vehicles for waste, burning up in the atmosphere upon their return. This video details the departure and deorbit process of these unpiloted vessels.
Progress spacecraft are vital logistical workhorses for the International Space Station. These unpiloted vessels launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying tons of food, fuel, and supplies to the orbiting laboratory. Once their mission is complete, the crew loads them with trash before they undock for a controlled, destructive re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
For example, the Progress 57 craft arrived in late October to deliver over two tons of supplies, later clearing its docking port for the Progress 59 mission. More recently, the Progress 92 spacecraft, which launched in July 2025 with about three tons of cargo, undocked at 9:24 a.m. EDT to begin its final deorbit maneuver.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Russian Space Freighter Departs the Complex
- Also: Roscosmos Progress Cargo Spacecraft Departs Station - NASA
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