Soyuz TMA-01M Digital Command Upgrade

The new Russian Soyuz onboard digital command and control systems have helped increase the payload of Russia's manned Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft by 70 kg. The system will be tested on the next flight now scheduled for October 8, 2010 to the International Space Station from the Baikonur spaceport. The digital system replaces the Argon analogue system that has been used for the human-rated Soyuz for more than 30 years. The Soyuz TMA-01M will loft 3 of the 6 members of the Expedition 25 crew to the ISS.