The Russian Progress MS-23 cargo ship burned up in Earth's atmosphere on November 29, 2023, providing a rare spectacle for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft was carrying old equipment and household waste from the ISS. NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli was able to photograph the reentering spacecraft as it broke apart, likening it to fireworks. Most of the spacecraft and its contents were incinerated, but some material made its way into the Pacific Ocean. This fiery reentry is a standard practice for non-reusable cargo craft departing the ISS, while reusable spacecraft like SpaceX's Dragon capsule can safely return home.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station witnessed the Russian Progress MS-23 cargo ship burning up in Earth's atmosphere after it departed from the ISS carrying old equipment and household waste. NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli captured incredible photographs of the reentry, describing it as resembling fireworks. While most of the spacecraft and its contents were incinerated, some material made its way into the Pacific Ocean. This fiery reentry is a standard practice for non-reusable cargo craft, with the Russian Progress and Northrop Grumman's Cygnus vehicles routinely disposed of in the atmosphere. SpaceX's Dragon capsule, on the other hand, is able to return home for safe splashdowns and future reuse. Another Progress spacecraft is set to launch on December 1st, carrying supplies for the astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the ISS.
