By Charles Switzer
11:40am PST, Jan 23, 2025
Close Call at 32,000 Feet
British pilot Alex Robertson, 29, had a heart-stopping moment while flying at 32,000 feet over Kyrgyzstan, The Sun reported. The Suffolk native was piloting a commercial courier flight when he spotted a Russian rocket, the Progress MS-29, streaking across his flight path.
"It popped up out of nowhere and I watched it race past," Robertson recounted.
The incident coincided with Russia's launch of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile, adding to the dramatic circumstances. Clips of the Progress MS-29 launch were mistakenly circulated on social media as footage of the Oreshnik missile, further fueling confusion. Despite the initial shock, Robertson remained composed, describing how the rocket appeared to exit the Earth's atmosphere and detach its first stage.
"The capsule detached and fell to the ground, and in the video, you see it flash when it hits," he explained, noting his surprise at the explosion since the discarded stage shouldn't have contained fuel.
Here's what happened.
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Progress MS-29: A Workhorse of Space Cargo Missions
The Progress MS-29, which Robertson witnessed, is an unmanned cargo spacecraft modeled after the Soyuz range. First introduced in 1978, the Progress has been a vital supply vehicle for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since 2000.
With its streamlined design, the Progress can carry up to 2.5 tons of supplies, including food, water, oxygen, fuel and scientific equipment.
The MS-29 also features the innovative Raduga capsule, enabling it to both deliver cargo to space and return freight to Earth. This dual-purpose functionality sets it apart as a key component of Russia's space program.
Its launch, the 182nd flight for the model, was streamed live on Roskosmos TV, showcasing the rocket's continued importance in maintaining the ISS's operations.
Stunning Footage Captures Rocket's Path
Multiple videos captured the breathtaking spectacle of the Progress MS-29 as it hurtled through the night sky over Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. One clip showed the rocket creating a vapor ring as it sped through the atmosphere, while another offered a close-up view of its wide vapor trail.
In the videos, the first stage separation is visible, followed by the discarded section's fiery explosion upon hitting the ground.
Robertson described the unique visuals, adding, "In the video, you can see the first stage separation of the rocket, and the discarded first stage explodes while the rocket continues its journey to space."
Rocket's Role in Space and History
Originally developed by the Soviet Union, the Progress rocket has undergone significant advancements over the decades. Unlike its Soyuz crewed counterpart, the Progress omits "life-support systems and a heat shield, optimizing it for cargo delivery."
Since its inception, the Progress has been instrumental in supporting ISS missions, delivering essentials and scientific tools to astronauts. Its role continues to evolve, "ensuring the smooth operation of one of humanity's most significant space endeavors," a rocket specialist shared on X.
Social Media Fuels Confusion With Hypersonic Missile Claims
As news of the Progress MS-29's launch spread, social media users mistakenly attributed the footage to Russia's newly launched Oreshnik hypersonic missile. Viral posts misrepresented the rocket's dramatic visuals, sparking debates and speculation online.
The conflation of the two events reflects the heightened interest in Russia's advanced aerospace projects, as well as the public's fascination with cutting-edge technology under President Vladimir Putin's directives.
Experts were quick to clarify the distinction, emphasizing the Progress MS-29's peaceful mission to support the ISS.
However, others feel the incident highlights the challenges of managing misinformation in an era of instantaneous global communication.
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