Russian Cargo Ship Launched March 22, 2026, with Antenna Glitch

A Russian Progress cargo ship is heading to the ISS after launching on March 22, 2026. It carries 3 tons of supplies but has a small problem with one antenna.
By Newsroom | Space, Science |

A Russian Progress 94 cargo spacecraft is currently en route to the International Space Station (ISS) after a successful launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 22, 2026. The uncrewed craft, carried aloft by a Soyuz rocket, experienced a minor issue shortly after reaching orbit, with one of its two automated rendezvous antennas failing to deploy as intended. Roscosmos is reportedly addressing the antenna anomaly.

Watch Russia launch Progress 94 cargo ship to the ISS on March 22 - 1

The spacecraft carries approximately 3 tons of essential supplies, including food and propellant, intended to replenish the station's stores. Progress 94 is slated to dock with the ISS on Tuesday, March 24, at 9:34 a.m. EDT, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Poisk module. This mission replaces the Progress 92 cargo craft, which undocked from the Poisk module on March 16.

Watch Russia launch Progress 94 cargo ship to the ISS on March 22 - 2

Mission Details

The launch occurred at 7:59 a.m. EDT (4:59 p.m. Baikonur time). NASA provided live coverage of the launch and will continue to broadcast the rendezvous and docking procedures, which began at 8:45 a.m. EDT on various platforms including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

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Watch Russia launch Progress 94 cargo ship to the ISS on March 22 - 3

Progress 94 is expected to remain docked to the ISS for approximately six months. At the conclusion of its stay, the craft will be filled with trash and intentionally deorbited to burn up in Earth's atmosphere.

Watch Russia launch Progress 94 cargo ship to the ISS on March 22 - 4

Context

This launch marks another step in the ongoing resupply efforts for the International Space Station. The Soyuz rocket system, which has been a workhorse for both crewed and cargo missions, continues to be a vital component for supporting ISS operations. It's understood that Progress 94 will dock with the International Space Station (ISS). The preceding cargo vehicle, Progress 92, undocked from the Poisk module on Monday, March 16. Another launch, Progress MS-34, is anticipated on April 25.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the Russian Progress 94 cargo spacecraft launch?
The Russian Progress 94 cargo spacecraft launched on Friday, March 22, 2026, at 7:59 a.m. EDT from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Q: What happened to the Russian Progress 94 spacecraft after launch?
Shortly after reaching orbit, one of the two automated rendezvous antennas on the Progress 94 spacecraft did not deploy as planned. Roscosmos is working on this issue.
Q: What supplies does the Progress 94 spacecraft carry to the ISS?
The Progress 94 spacecraft is carrying about 3 tons of needed supplies to the International Space Station. This includes food and fuel for the astronauts.
Q: When will the Progress 94 spacecraft dock with the ISS?
The Progress 94 spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station on Tuesday, March 24, at 9:34 a.m. EDT. It will attach to the Poisk module.
Q: How long will the Progress 94 spacecraft stay at the ISS?
The Progress 94 spacecraft is expected to remain attached to the ISS for about six months. After that, it will be filled with trash and burned up in Earth's atmosphere.