Russia’s Progress M-09M cargo spacecraft will be sunk into the Pacific on its successful return from the International Space Station.

The freighter undocked from the ISS on 22 April 2011 and participated in a five-day geophysical scientific experiment, Radar-Progress.

It will be sunk at the space cemetery, a designated area near Christmas Island where many spacecraft are submerged.

Progress spacecraft have been the workhorse for the Russian space cargo fleet, which also adjust the ISS’s orbit and conduct scientific experiments as well as carrying cargo.

The next Russian cargo spacecraft, Progress M-10M, is due for launch to the space station today.