As the Progress MS-20 cargo vehicle leaves the International Space Station, it makes its final descent toward Earth’s oceans, where its fate will be sealed in the vast waters. Live coverage from Roscosmos has followed the process, offering viewers a rare look at deorbit operations as the spacecraft transitions from a bustling research platform to a planned reentry in the planet’s atmosphere. The mission control teams anticipate precise timing to guide the deorbit burn, ensuring a controlled entry that minimizes risk to ground personnel and downstream environments.
According to the mission timeline, at approximately 11:04 Moscow time the braking propulsion system is expected to ignite, initiating the deorbit sequence. This burn reduces the module’s velocity and guides it toward a preselected splashdown corridor in the Pacific Ocean. The targeted area lies far from inhabited coastlines, with the wreckage forecast to settle in a remote expanse roughly two thousand kilometers from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This approach mirrors established procedures for cargo ships of this class, designed to safely dispose of spent hardware while complying with international space operations standards. {citation: Roscosmos}
Throughout its stay aboard the ISS, Progress MS-20 performed a critical role in maintaining the station’s safety and operational efficiency. It contributed to the removal of orbital debris through four dedicated manoeuvres and supported a planned update to the station’s orbital parameters. These tasks help preserve the integrity of the ISS flight path and ensure that the complex continues to function as a platform for science, technology demonstrations, and international collaboration. {citation: Roscosmos}
Vladimir Solovyov, who has long steered the Russian division’s flight operations for the ISS and serves as General Designer of Manned Complexes and Systems for the Russian Federation, has highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen and repair the Russian segment of the orbital outpost. Over the past two years, teams on the Russian side have focused on improving reliability, extending component life, and enhancing docking and servicing capabilities. This ongoing work is part of a broader commitment to keeping the ISS resilient and capable of hosting international research under evolving space safety standards. {citation: Roscosmos}