MIRNEWS.151    21 OCTOBER 1992

PROGRESS-M14: This freighter has to undock from the MIR-complex
(aft dockingport) and to decay on 22.10.92.
Before decaying the returncapsule will be separated from Pr-M14 for safe
landing in Kazakhstan.

PROGRESS-M15: This freighter will be launched from Tyura-Tam on 27.10.92
and dock to MIR on 29.10.92. Pr-M15 has to deliver fuel, water, food,
post and spare-parts to the complex.
It also has a little sail on board for an experiment around the midst of
December 92 (probably 10.12.92) from the then undocked Pr-M15 this sail
will be launched into space and sail away using solar-wind for propulsion.
This experiment is one of the activities dedicated to the 500th anniversary
of the discovery of America by the Italian Columbus.

MOVEMENTS/ATTITUDE CONTROL MOTOR:

This device, VDU, installed in the top of the Soforamast, did not work yet.
Calculations for a safe and precise operation resulted in the conclusion
that 'the hard- and software' on board MIR were insufficient to provide good
cybernetics with the VDU. Scientist had to develop special 'hard- and
software' and to load this in a special memory unit, which has to transported
to the complex as soon as possible.
(Depending on room in one of the next Pr-M's.)

FOREIGN CANDIDATE COSMONAUTS:

It was not possible to organize a French expedition for the Soyuz-TM16 launch
in january 1993. So it is still unknown what the Russians will do with the
3d place of S-TM16.
The French expedition will be ready for a flight on 1.07.93.
The guest will be Haignere, his stand-in is Tognini.

Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.