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| Progress M-12M | |
|---|---|
| Name | Progress M-12M |
| Mission type | Cargo resupply |
| Operator | Roskosmos |
| Cospar id | 2011-058A |
| Satcat | 37987 |
| Mission duration | failed at launch |
| Spacecraft | Progress-M 11F615A60 |
| Manufacturer | RKK Energia |
| Launch mass | 7290 kg |
| Launch date | 2011-08-24 UTC |
| Launch rocket | Soyuz-U |
| Launch site | Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site 1/5 |
| Orbit | Low Earth orbit (intended) |
| Payload | propellant, pressurized cargo, food, water, equipment |
Progress M-12M Progress M-12M was an uncrewed Russian cargo spacecraft intended to resupply the International Space Station with propellant, supplies, and equipment in August 2011. Operated by Roskosmos and manufactured by RKK Energia, the vehicle launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on a Soyuz-U rocket but failed to reach orbit, resulting in loss of vehicle and cargo and prompting investigations involving Roscosmos, RKK Energia, and international partners including NASA and European Space Agency.
The mission was designated as part of the long-running Progress series developed by RKK Energia to service the International Space Station, following previous missions like the Progress M-11M and preceding later missions such as Progress M-13M. The Progress family traces heritage to Soviet-era logistics missions that supported stations including Salyut 6, Salyut 7, and Mir, and contributes to station operations alongside crewed vehicles like Soyuz and cargo vehicles such as the Automated Transfer Vehicle and Dragon (spacecraft).
Progress M-12M was to deliver propellant, oxygen, water, spare parts, food, and scientific equipment for use on the Zvezda (ISS module), Pirs (ISS module), and other modules of the International Space Station. The nominal flight profile included launch into a low Earth orbit, phasing maneuvers, and automated rendezvous and docking using the Kurs (docking system) at the Poisk (ISS module) or Zvezda (ISS module). The cargo manifest reflected common supplies carried by Progress missions to support long-duration expeditions on the Expedition 28 crew increment and planned experiments from partners such as Roscosmos, NASA, JAXA, and ESA.
The spacecraft was a Progress-M 11F615A60 variant, built by RKK Energia and based on the Soyuz (spacecraft) design heritage used since the Vostok era. The vehicle's pressurized cargo compartment was to carry foodstuffs and life-support supplies, while its refueling system would transfer propellant to the station's Zvezda (ISS module) propulsion tanks. Onboard avionics and telemetry systems were developed by Russian industry suppliers collaborating with TsNIIMash and other organizations, and the mission integrated serial components similar to those used on successful logistics flights such as Progress M-03M.
The Soyuz-U rocket lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 1/5 on 24 August 2011, performed by the Samara Space Center built launch vehicle and under operational control of Roskosmos launch teams. Approximately seconds after liftoff the third stage of the vehicle experienced a failure, preventing insertion into orbit; debris impacted downrange. The anomaly prompted immediate notifications to Mission Control Center (TsUP) in Korolyov, Moscow Oblast and coordination with international partners including NASA Mission Control Center in Houston regarding potential hazards and implications for the International Space Station.
A joint investigation involved Roskosmos, RKK Energia, TsNIIMash, and independent experts reviewing telemetry, ground tests, and manufacturing records. The inquiry examined components from the RD-0110 engine cluster and the Soyuz-U third stage separation sequence, as well as quality-control procedures at subcontractors and assembly at Moscow Aviation Plant facilities. Findings identified a faulty manufacturing batch or assembly error leading to engine shutdown or structural failure during ascent. The report recommended corrective actions addressing quality assurance, supplier oversight, and preflight verification practices across the Soyuz family supply chain.
The loss of the spacecraft reduced scheduled logistics throughput for the International Space Station, affecting planned propellant transfers, spares inventory, and consumables intended for the Expedition 28 crew including astronauts from NASA, Roscosmos, CSA, JAXA, and ESA. Station program managers adjusted resupply sequencing using remaining Progress flights, cargo vehicles such as HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle) and the Dragon (spacecraft), and manifest changes from international partners. Operational impacts included revised contingency planning for attitude control using the Zvezda (ISS module) thrusters and replanning of scientific activities supported by the lost payload.
In response to the failure, Roskosmos implemented corrective measures including enhanced quality-control protocols, supplier audits, and additional bench testing for Soyuz-U components. The agency temporarily restructured launch schedules and accelerated investigations to certify return-to-flight for the Progress series, coordinating with manufacturers like RKK Energia and research institutes such as TsNIIMash. International stakeholders, including NASA and ESA, reviewed partnership contingencies and supply-chain risk mitigation, while the incident informed later reforms in Russian launch operations and contributed to broader dialogues at forums involving the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and interagency spaceflight safety committees.
Category:Progress (spacecraft) missions Category:2011 in spaceflight Category:Spacecraft launched in 2011