Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL Cargo Ship Set for Launch to ISS

Cape Canaveral, Florida — Northrop Grumman is set to launch its latest cargo spacecraft, the Cygnus XL, to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, September 14, at 6:11 p.m. EDT. The mission is designated as NASA’s NG-23 and represents the 23rd cargo flight under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 contract.

The Cygnus XL spacecraft boasts an increased cargo capacity, enabling it to carry 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg) of supplies, including food, science experiments, and equipment for ISS crew members.

SpaceX will launch the spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket from launch pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission marks the fourth flight of the Falcon 9 booster named B1094, which previously supported three other missions.

Approximately 14 minutes after liftoff, the Cygnus will separate from the Falcon 9 rocket to begin its journey to the ISS. It is expected to arrive at the station on Wednesday, September 17, at 6:35 a.m. EDT, where it will be captured and docked using the Canadarm2 robotic arm by astronauts aboard the ISS.

According to Ryan Tinter, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of Civil Space Systems, the new Cygnus XL iteration can deliver significantly more science payloads, contributing to cost efficiency for NASA’s future missions. ‘We are ready with commercial options to enhance capabilities for low Earth orbit,’ Tinter said during a prelaunch briefing.

The spacecraft will remain at the ISS until around March 2026, after which it will depart and disintegrate upon re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

As part of its payload, the Cygnus XL will support various research initiatives, including those focused on producing semiconductor crystals and managing harmful bacteria levels in water systems, which could lead to advancements in treatments for diseases.

With favorable weather conditions, this launch adds to Northrop Grumman’s ongoing partnership with NASA to support resupply missions to the ISS.