Cosmonaut Docks Cargo Ship by Remote Control
A Russian cosmonaut aboard the international space station had to bring in a cargo ship by remote control Friday night after an automatic system failed.
Yuri Gidzenko used a joystick to guide the Russian Progress ship to a safe linkup with the space station, almost an hour later than planned.
It was the first Progress docking for the three-man station crew, on board for just two weeks.
Everything was going well earlier in the evening as the Progress, loaded with food, boots, brackets, cables, an air conditioner and other supplies, closed in on the space station.
Once the cargo ship was within 300 feet, however, its automatic docking system would not lock onto the space station, and Gidzenko was forced to take over.
“I would like to congratulate you for your bravery and heroism and your ability to be patient,” a Russian flight controller radioed up.
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