NASA, Northrop Grumman Assessing Cygnus XL Engine Burn Plan
6 hours ago
- #International Space Station
- #Cygnus XL
- #NASA
- NASA and Northrop Grumman are delaying the Cygnus XL's arrival to the International Space Station due to an engine issue.
- The Cygnus XL's main engine stopped earlier than planned during orbit-raising burns, delaying its rendezvous with the ISS.
- The spacecraft is carrying 11,000 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo for the orbiting laboratory.
- NASA astronaut Jonny Kim will capture Cygnus XL using the Canadarm2 robotic arm, with backup from Zena Cardman.
- After capture, Cygnus XL will be installed on the Unity module's Earth-facing port and remain at the ISS until March 2026.
- The spacecraft launched on Sept. 14 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
- This mission is part of NASA's Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 23 (CRS-23).