When Progress has finished its servicing mission, it separates from the station and will be the beaming target for the experiment. Figure 10.2.1 Progress Configuration Prior to docking, the Mir Space Station is in a gravity gradient mode, with its minimum axis of inertia aligned with the local vertical in the nominal attitude orientation. During rendezvous, the Mir Station is rotated approximately 90 degrees in order to align its docking port with the approach velocity vector of the Progress spacecraft as shown in Figure 10.2.2. Upon completion of the docking operation, the station is rotated back to its nominal orientation. Subsequently, the nominal logistics mission is carried out over a period of approximately two weeks. Figure 10.2.2 Mir-Progress Docking Configuration During the docked phase, a set of procedures are adopted in order to prepare both spacecraft for the proposed experiment: 1. The transmitting antenna will be removed from Progress and installed on the Mir station. This operation will be performed by a cosmonaut EVA. It is proposed to attach the antenna to existing mechanical interfaces foreseen for additional solar arrays. This will ensure simple interfacing and shorter EVA times. It is envisaged that the overall task should be accomplished within one EVA working day. 2. The rectenna on the Progress will be deployed automatically.
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