ISS residents Leroy Chiao and Salizhan Sharipov can look forward to bit of light unpacking after the unmanned Progress resupply vessel successfully docked with the station earlier today, Reuters reports. The payload includes 160 days' worth of food, 494 kilograms of water, and 175 kg of fuel for the station's Russian thrusters in addition to 109 kg of air and oxygen, equipment for the primary oxygen-generating and carbon dioxide-removal systems, and 32 oxygen-generating canisters.

Also aboard are digital cameras which Chiao and Shapirov will use to inspect space shuttle Discovery for damage during its intended return to flight trip to the ISS scheduled for 15 May. Some of the oxygen and fuel aboard Progress are intended for emergency use by the shuttle crew should any such damage oblige them to abandon their vehicle and bunk down in the ISS awaiting a rescue mission.

On a lighter note, the Progress brought Chiao and Sharipov some music and movies to "to enjoy in their free time". The exact nature of the material is not noted. ®

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