Photo: NASA
NASA and Northrop Grumman have postponed the planned arrival of the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft at the International Space Station as mission teams work through an alternate approach to ensure a safe rendezvous with the orbiting outpost after an engine issue on the spacecraft. Originally scheduled to reach the station on Wednesday, September 17, Cygnus’s new arrival date is still under review.
The delay resulted from an issue early Tuesday morning when Cygnus XL’s main engine shut down earlier than expected during two planned orbital adjustment burns. These burns were critical to positioning the spacecraft for its approach to the ISS. Despite the premature shutdown, all other systems aboard Cygnus XL are functioning normally, according to NASA officials.
Cygnus XL is carrying over 11,000 pounds of scientific experiments, crew supplies, and hardware for the orbiting laboratory. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim is set to capture the vehicle using the space station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm, with NASA astronaut Zena Cardman serving as backup. Once secured, Cygnus will be berthed to the Earth-facing port of the Unity module, where it will remain until March 2026.
The vehicle launched at 6:11 PM ET on September 14 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, designated Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 23 (CRS-23), is part of NASA’s ongoing partnership with commercial providers to maintain a steady flow of cargo and research to the ISS.
Flight controllers are currently evaluating an alternative trajectory plan to ensure a safe and successful docking in the coming days. NASA will provide updates as a revised schedule is confirmed.