Title: NASA, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX to Launch Cygnus Cargo Spacecraft to International Space Station
NASA, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and SpaceX, has announced the scheduled launch of the Cygnus cargo spacecraft on Monday, Jan. 29th. This mission marks the 20th Northrop Grumman commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Cygnus spacecraft is set to carry vital science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the ISS. Launch coverage for this event will commence at 12:15 p.m. EST and can be watched on various platforms, including NASA+, NASA Television, YouTube, and the NASA app.
Pre-launch events are planned, starting on Friday, Jan. 26th, including a science webinar and a news conference. These events are aimed at providing insights into the scientific experiments being conducted during the mission.
The cargo spacecraft, loaded with more than 8,200 pounds of supplies, will be transported by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It is expected to reach the space station on Wednesday, Jan. 31st.
The capture of the Cygnus spacecraft will be performed by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli using the station’s robotic arm. Loral O’Hara will serve as the backup for this operation. Once captured, the spacecraft will be installed on the Earth-facing port of the Unity module.
Named the S.S. Patricia “Patty” Hilliard Robertson, after a former NASA astronaut, the Cygnus spacecraft will remain at the ISS until May, after which it will burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere.
NASA will provide comprehensive coverage of the mission, including the rendezvous and capture of the Cygnus spacecraft, starting at 2 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, Jan. 31st. Viewers can tune in to NASA Television or access the coverage through the NASA website.
In addition, members of the public have the opportunity to virtually attend the launch by registering online. Social media users can actively engage with the mission by following and tagging NASA, NASA Kennedy, and ISS accounts on various platforms.
The launch of the Cygnus cargo spacecraft is a significant milestone in NASA’s ongoing efforts to ensure the continuous supply of critical resources to the astronauts aboard the ISS, supporting their research and exploration endeavors.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”