Satnews Daily

Progress Spacecraft Anomaly Noted By Vandenberg Air Force Base's Joint Functional Component Command

[SatNews] Joint Functional Component Command for Space's Joint Space Operations Center made an initial observation of an anomaly with an International Space Station Progress resupply cargo craft at 12:04 a.m. (3:04 a.m. EDT), today, April 28, 2015.





An archive photo of an unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaching the International Space Station, bringing propellant, oxygen, air, water, spare parts and supplies. Photo: NASA An archive photo of an unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaching the International Space Station, bringing propellant, oxygen, air, water, spare parts and supplies. Photo: NASA

The JSpOC immediately began tracking the event and initiated the appropriate reporting procedures. Currently, the JSpOC can confirm that the resupply vehicle is rotating at a rate of 360 degrees every five seconds. Additionally, the JSpOC has observed 44 pieces of debris in the vicinity of the resupply vehicle and its upper stage rocket body; however, it cannot confirm at this time if the debris is from the rocket body or vehicle itself.



"Human spaceflight safety is our chief concern," said Lt. Gen. Jay Raymond, JFCC Space and 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) Commander. "We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our government, international and industry partners to ensure the safety of the astronauts onboard the ISS and provide for the long-term safety, sustainability, security and stability of the space domain."



The JSpOC will continuously track the cargo craft and debris, performing conjunction analysis and warning of any potential collisions in order to ensure spaceflight safety for all. Any questions regarding the ISS should be directed to NASA and questions about the cargo craft and the ongoing attempts to command it should be directed to Russian flight controllers.