Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Soyuz craft undergoing preparation for Feb. 20 launch in uncrewed mode.
Image credit: RSC Energia

Russia’s pilotless Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft is being prepared for its upcoming launch at Baikonur.

Refueling of the ship with fuel and compressed gases is being wrapped up, with liftoff of the “rescue” craft atop a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket set for February 20 at 04:57:53 Moscow time.

According to a Roscosmos Telegram posting, the Soyuz has been returned to the assembly and testing building of the 254th site of the cosmodrome and installed at the workplace for stowage of delivered cargo, checking the tightness of hatches, installing screen-vacuum thermal insulation on the surface of the compartments, control weighing and docking with the transitional compartment of the launch vehicle.

Image credit: RSC Energia

Uncrewed mode

The Soyuz MS-23 is flying in an uncrewed-mode as a replacement craft for a compromised Soyuz MS-22 craft now docked at the International Space Station. That vehicle suffered a coolant leak last December that prompted a fast-paced checkout and launch of the Soyuz MS-23.

Soyuz MS-22 coolant leak image from last December.
Image credit: NASA

Due to a possible meteoroid strike, the vehicle’s radiator pipeline discharged crucial coolant into free space, putting to question the overall integrity and safety of the craft to return crew members back to Earth.