What is MS-34 Cargo Spacecraft? NASA Cargo Mission Launched

The Progress MS-34 is a Russian cargo vehicle designed by Roscosmos to deliver supplies to the ISS referred to as Progress 95 by NASA. This unmanned supply ship is the 187th flight of the Progress series in support of current activities aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The Progress MS-34, produced by Russia with serial number 463, lifted off on schedule on April 25, 2026, at 22:21 UTC (April 26, 03:21 local time at Baikonur). Loaded with more than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) of supplies such as food, propellant, water, oxygen, experimental gear, and an Orlan-MKS suit, the spacecraft automatically connected with the ISS via the Zvezda service module on April 27 at approximately 7:15 p.m. ET.

Cargo Mission Details

The cargo consisted of 1,348 kg of pressurized logistics, comprising 483 kg food, 311 kg maintenance tools, 333 kg hygiene products, 146 kg science hardware, and 75 kg medical equipment. 

Propellant accounted for 700 kg, while drinking water was 420 kg, and oxygen was 50 kg. Scientific payloads included virtual reality study, immune and nervous system reactions under stress, bone mineral density changes, microorganism action on materials, and water recycling.

Launch and Docking

Launch took place from Site 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, with the spacecraft being separated from the launch vehicle nine minutes after the liftoff and conducting fast orbital maneuvering. 

The docking was scheduled for April 27 at 8:00 pm ET or April 28 at 05:01 am Astana time with the aft docking port of the Zvezda module. The NASA TV broadcast will be carried out via NASA+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.

In support of the Russian contribution to the International Space Station operation, Progress MS-34 will deliver crucial logistics within the context of Expedition 74. This particular mission highlights the significance of the Progress spacecraft series from 1978 to support the space station until its retirement beyond 2030.