Russian engineers at the Baikonur Cosmodrome have confirmed the operational readiness of solar panels on the Progress MS-35 cargo spacecraft following stand testing.
State space corporation Roscosmos announced the completion of the solar array checks in a statement released on Telegram on August 20, 2026.
Specialists from the Energia Corporation, a subsidiary of Roscosmos, conducted the test by illuminating sections of the battery solar cells with powerful lights mounted on a specialized test stand. The illumination process lasted for about 10 minutes at the spaceport facility.
Under the intense light exposure, the solar cells generated electrical power to run the internal systems of the cargo vehicle, verifying that the array will function properly in orbit.
Resupply mission to orbit
The Progress MS-35 spacecraft arrived at the cosmodrome in April. Its upcoming flight will mark the 99th launch of a Progress family spacecraft to orbit since the series began operations.
The cargo ship is designated to deliver essential supplies for the work and living conditions of cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station.
Progress spacecraft are uncrewed expendable cargo vessels designed to transport fuel, food, scientific equipment, and atmosphere maintenance supplies to orbital outposts. The International Space Station operates as a microgravity research facility in low Earth orbit, managed through an international partnership.
Testing environmental endurance
The solar array test follows vacuum chamber testing completed earlier in August. During those prior checks, technicians placed Progress MS-35 inside a specialized vacuum chamber that simulates the harsh conditions of outer space to verify the spacecraft's seal and leak tightness.
The Energia Corporation serves as Russia's principal developer and manufacturer of crewed spacecraft, cargo ships, and space station modules. All missions in the Progress series launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a major spaceflight facility located in Kazakhstan and leased by Russia for orbital operations.
