Space freighter docks at station

A robotic Russian space freighter docked at the International Space Station today, delivering more than 2.5 tons of cargo.

Flying some 220 miles above the Mediterranean Sea northeast of Greece, the Progress cargo carrier arrived at the station at 1:41 p.m., linking up to the aft end of the outpost's Russian command and control center.

"We have capture," station commander Pavel Vinogradov told specialists in the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow.

NASA flight commentator Rob Navias called the hook-up "a smooth, uneventful and on-time docking."

Launched Monday from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Progress is carrying 5,041 pounds of fuel, oxygen, water as well as spare parts and other equipment.

Vinogradov and U.S. astronaut Jeffrey Williams will begin unpacking the freighter on Thursday. The two arrived at the station March 31 and are scheduled to remain there for six months.

Their planned return to Earth: Sept. 24.