Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
NASA Postpones Cargo Delivery to International Space Station Due to Spacecraft Damage
A scheduled NASA resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed due to damage sustained by the cargo spacecraft. The unmanned Cygnus freighter, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, based in Virginia, was intended to transport several tons of essential supplies, including food and fuel, to the ISS from Florida’s Space Coast this June.
Damage Assessment and Mission Cancellation
However, on March 5, NASA disclosed that the Cygnus cargo module incurred damage during transit to the launch facility. Agency personnel initially announced that teams would conduct inspections of the freighter to evaluate the structural integrity of the Cygnus vehicle itself. This assessment has now been concluded, revealing unfavorable results.
“Following an initial examination, damage to the cargo module has been confirmed,” NASA officials stated in an official email communication on Wednesday, March 26.
Consequently, the planned June launch has been called off. Despite this setback, the possibility of utilizing this freighter in a subsequent mission has not been entirely dismissed.
Future Flight Prospects
“The International Space Station Program will continue its collaboration with Northrop Grumman to ascertain if the Cygnus cargo module can be safely utilized for a future flight to the orbiting laboratory,” NASA representatives added.
Impact on ISS Operations
The mission postponement is not expected to significantly disrupt operations for the astronauts currently stationed on the ISS. NASA had previously made arrangements to include additional provisions on SpaceX’s upcoming cargo mission, scheduled for launch next month, as a contingency in case the Cygnus mission faced delays.
About Cygnus and ISS Cargo Missions
Learn More: Facts about Cygnus, Northrop Grumman’s cargo ship
Related Content:
- SpaceX Launches Private Cygnus Cargo Craft to ISS (video, photos)
- Track the ISS: How and Where to See It
- International Space Station — Comprehensive Overview
NG-22 Mission and Future Northrop Grumman Flights
The now-canceled Cygnus mission was designated NG-22, marking it as the 22nd contracted cargo delivery by Northrop Grumman to the ISS for NASA. The company is now aiming for the launch of the NS-23 mission no sooner than this autumn, according to the NASA statement. (The NG-21 Cygnus spacecraft is currently docked at the ISS and is slated to undock tomorrow morning, March 28).
Comparison with SpaceX Cargo Missions
SpaceX has successfully completed 32 cargo missions and also conducts manned flights to the ISS for NASA. While SpaceX’s Dragon cargo (and crew) capsules are engineered to withstand reentry from orbit for reuse, the Cygnus spacecraft is designed for single-use, incinerating in Earth’s atmosphere at the conclusion of its mission.