The Progress-M is an unmanned spacecraft used to deliver supplies and other equipment to Mir. It is launched on a Soyuz SL-4 rocket from Baikonur and docks with the space station 2-3 days later. After it docks and is unloaded by the Mir crew, it remains in place, usually at the aft docking port attached to the Kvant module. The Mir crew uses it as a trash storage capsult, filling it with garbage accumulated from regular station activities. The trash-filled Progress-M usually undocks shortly before the next new Progress arrives, and it deorbited to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.
The Progress-M gained notoriety in June 1997 when one crashed into the Spektr module, depressurizing it and damaging one of its solar panels. The capsule may have been overloaded with trash when the Mir crew, controlling it manually, were unable to get it to dock safely after a series of maneuvering and docking tests.
| Length: | 7 m (23.1 ft.) |
| Mass: | 7,200 kg (15,800 lbs.) |
| Max. Diameter | 2.7 m (8.9 ft.) |
| Volume: | 7.6 m^3 (270 cu. ft.) |