A Russian cargo ship ferrying crucial supplies achieved a problem-free docking with Mir on Wednesday, bolstering Russian Mission Control as it tries to put the space station’s troubles behind it.
The unmanned Progress M-36, carrying a backup computer, docked on automatic pilot a few minutes ahead of schedule, said flight control chief Vladimir Solovyov.
It was the first successful docking under a new procedure that had failed on two past attempts, causing the crew to switch to manual controls.
“After each failure, we analyzed the math . . . and adjusted the docking procedure,” said Solovyov as he briefed reporters at Mission Control outside Moscow.
The Progess M-36, which was launched Sunday and had been waiting in orbit for the docking, is carrying 2 tons of equipment and supplies such as drinking water and fuel.
The U.S. space shuttle Atlantis, which left Mir last week, delivered a new computer and other important equipment.
