Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus space cargo vehicle, featuring its distinct UltraFlex solar arrays, is depicted nearing the International Space Station on February 21, 2022, delivering 8,300 pounds of fresh scientific experiments, astronaut provisions, and station hardware to supplement the Expedition 66 crew. Credit: NASA
With its recent attachment to the ISS, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft houses significant freight and sets the stage for groundbreaking scientific exploration. This signifies the firm’s 19th resupply expedition for NASA.
The installation of Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft at the International Space Station has been finalized. Cygnus, holding over 8,200 pounds of cargo and scientific experiments, was launched aboard the company’s Antares rocket at 8:31 p.m. EDT Tuesday, August 1, from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. At 5:52 a.m., NASA astronauts Woody Hoburg and Frank Rubio (serving as backup) successfully grasped Cygnus using the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm.
The Cygnus space cargo vehicle by Northrop Grumman is pictured moments prior to being seized by the Canadarm2 robotic arm, operated by NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg. Credit: NASA TV
The delivery via this Cygnus mission enables several key space station research projects:
- The final version of a range of spacecraft fire protection experiments
- An innovative drinkable water dispenser that supplies hot water and enhanced sanitation
- Neural cells that will be grown into 3D cell models for gene therapy assessment
- A device that calculates the plasma density of the upper atmosphere
- A memory card filled with student creative works from across the globe
The Cygnus space cargo vehicle by Northrop Grumman is shown in the clutches of the Canadarm2 robotic arm after its capture while both spacecrafts were in orbit above Africa. Credit: NASA TV
This represents Northrop Grumman’s 19th commercial resupply voyage to the space station on behalf of NASA. The Cygnus spacecraft was named S.S. Laurel Clark in memory of the late NASA astronaut, undersea medical officer, and naval flight officer, Laurel Clark.
The Cygnus space cargo vehicle by Northrop Grumman is guided towards its docking spot on the space station’s Unity module by the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Credit: NASA TV
Cygnus is slated to stay at the space station until October, post which it will depart for a destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cygnus spacecraft installation
What is the Cygnus spacecraft and who operates it?
The Cygnus spacecraft is a space freighter operated by Northrop Grumman. It is designed to carry cargo to the International Space Station.
When was the Cygnus spacecraft launched?
The Cygnus spacecraft was launched on Tuesday, August 1, at 8:31 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
What kind of cargo did the Cygnus spacecraft carry to the ISS?
The Cygnus spacecraft carried over 8,200 pounds of cargo, including new scientific experiments, crew supplies, and station hardware.
How was the Cygnus spacecraft captured at the International Space Station?
NASA astronauts Woody Hoburg, with backup from Frank Rubio, captured the Cygnus spacecraft using the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station.
What type of research is facilitated by the cargo delivered by Cygnus?
The cargo delivered by Cygnus facilitates several key research projects, including the final iteration of spacecraft fire protection experiments, culturing neural cells into 3D models for gene therapy testing, and a probe for measuring plasma density of the upper atmosphere.
How long will the Cygnus spacecraft remain at the International Space Station?
The Cygnus spacecraft is expected to remain at the International Space Station until October, after which it will depart for a destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Who was the Cygnus spacecraft named after?
The Cygnus spacecraft was named S.S. Laurel Clark in honor of the late NASA astronaut, undersea medical officer, and naval flight officer, Laurel Clark.
More about Cygnus spacecraft installation
- Northrop Grumman Official Website
- NASA’s Cygnus Mission Overview
- Wallops Flight Facility Official Website
- Information on Canadarm2
- Biography of Laurel B. Clark
5 comments
can’t wait to see the results of those fire protection experiments, its incredible how much we learn from these missions.
Amazing! The advancements in space tech never cease to amaze me, antares rocket is such a beast!!! Keep it up, Northrop Grumman!
8,300 pounds of new experiments and supplies? thats one heavy shopping list lol
So cool, cygnus gonna stay there till October. wonder what it feels like to watch a spacecraft depart for a destructive re-entry.
just mindblown by the fact that the spacecraft is named after Laurel Clark, really a touching tribute to a hero.