Watch Russia launch Progress 94 cargo ship to the ISS on March 22

Russia launched the Progress 94 cargo spacecraft toward the International Space Station (ISS) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz rocket carrying the robotic freighter lifted off as scheduled, carrying approximately three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the Expedition 73 crew aboard the ISS. Progress 94 is set to dock with the station’s Poisk module after a two-day chase, with docking expected on March 24. Progress 94 replaces the Progress 92 spacecraft, which undocked from the Poisk module on March 16. The new freighter will remain attached to the ISS for about six months, supporting ongoing missions by delivering essential provisions and propellant. After completing its mission, Progress 94 will be loaded with waste and will burn up upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, following the standard procedure for expendable cargo vehicles. This mission highlights the continued reliance on Russian spacecraft for resupply operations to the ISS, alongside other cargo vehicles such as Japan’s HTV-X and Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus, both of which are also expendable. In contrast, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule remains the only reusable cargo spacecraft servicing the station. The successful delivery of supplies is critical for maintaining the health and safety of astronauts aboard the ISS and ensuring the continuity of scientific research conducted in orbit.