MOSCOW, January 10 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Progress M-61 cargo spacecraft will continue to carry out technical experiments remaining in orbit until January 22, a Mission Control spokesperson said Thursday.

The cargo ship undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on December 22 remaining in orbit, like its predecessor, for experimental purposes before being allowed to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.

"With possible alterations, the Progress M-61's de-orbiting has been scheduled for January 22, 22.06 Moscow time [19.06 GMT]," the representative said adding that the operation could be re-scheduled for the following day.

The Progress spacecraft is expected to conduct plasma environment experiments during the operation of the ship's onboard engines and at different thrusts, as well as in case of gas and plasma emissions.

After re-entry in Earth's atmosphere the ship is expected to fall in a designated zone in the Pacific at around 19.50 GMT.

Progress ships are used to deliver food and water for the ISS crew, fuel to maintain the space platform's orbit, as well as other cargo and research equipment.