European Space Agency astronaut, Alexander Gerst captured breathtaking footage of the launch of the Progress MS-10 spacecraft aboard a Soyuz-FG rocket. It was launched on November 17, 2018, at 00:14 local time carrying provisions for the International Space Station (ISS).
In the time-lapse footage, there a number of key stages in the launch of a Soyuz rocket clearly visible. At 5 seconds, the rocket can be seen blasting off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. At 7 seconds, the rocket’s brightness dims slightly indicating the separation of the rocket’s four strap-on boosters. Then, at 19 seconds, the rocket’s core stage separation can be seen followed at 34 seconds with the core stage burning up in the atmosphere.
In addition to the time lapse, Gerst managed to capture an image of the rocket as it launched from directly above the launchpad.
The Progress MS-10 spacecraft carried a number of essential provisions for the ISS and the Expedition 57 crew. Included in the 2,564 kilograms of supplies was 75 kilograms of oxygen and air, 750 kilograms or propellant, and 440 kilograms of water.
The MS-10 spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS Zvezda service module at 19:28 UTC on November 18.
