Subject: Mirnews from Chris VandenBerg
From: "Hans G. Janssen" <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 09:14:58 +0100

MIRNEWS.334                       20 NOVEMBER 1996
  
  Successful launch freighter Progress-M33:
  
  This long-expected freighter blasted off from Baykonur on
  19.11.1996 at 23 hrs 20 mins and 35 seconds UTC (for
  Moscow-time and for MEWT already on 20.11.1996).  After
  some orbits the beacon- and TLM-transmissions could be
  monitored over here.  
  The cargo of Pr-M33 consisting of post, food, spare-
  parts, containers for human waste and materials for
  experiments weighs 1650 KG. In the tank-compartment of
  Pr-M33  547 KG oxygen, fuel and water has been stored. 
  Fuel for the MIR-complex itself  weighs 2462 KG.  Also 
  among the 547 KG  a new supply of nitrogen for the
  pressurising and purging of the oxygen-producing Elektron
  systems.  Because of the fact that there will be no
  further deliveries of supplies before  New Year the mail-
  bag also contains the Christmas- and New Year post for
  the crew. 
  
  Progress-M32: This old freighter has to free the port at
  which she is docked now for the arrival of the Progress-
  M33.  This is the aft docking port (Kvant-1, +X-axis). 
  Pr-M32 can abandon  the MIR-station for the systems of
  her successor are working normally.  This will take place
  on 20.11.1996 at  1945UTC.  After a few orbits Pr-M32's
  engines will be fired for the de-orbit manoeuvre after
  which Pr-M32 will burn up over  a designated area in the
  Pacific East of New Zealand.  
  
  Expected time of arrival and docking Progress-M33 at MIR:
  
  This will be on 22.11.1996 at 0100UTC.  Progress-M33 has
  to approach and dock in the automatic mode by the system
  Kurs. If this system fails commander Korzun is ready to
  conduct the freighter manually with the system TORU.
  
  Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.