A Falcon 9 successfully launched an upgraded Cygnus cargo spacecraft, NG-23, to the International Space Station on Sept. 14. Lifting off from Cape Canaveral, the NG-23 Cygnus, the first of the larger Cygnus XL variant, separated from the rocket's upper stage approximately 14 and a half minutes later. It's expected to reach the ISS by Sept. 17.
Cygnus XL boasts a 1.6-meter increase in its cargo module length compared to previous versions, resulting in a one-third boost to its payload capacity, now reaching 5,000 kilograms. While NASA didn't disclose the precise cargo breakdown before launch, the increased size necessitated analysis of its effects on ISS systems, including life support and thermal control, according to Dina Contella, NASA ISS deputy program manager. Operational changes for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, responsible for berthing Cygnus, were also assessed.
Cygnus is slated to remain at the station until next spring, but a temporary unberthing in November is planned to prevent interference with the Soyuz MS-28 docking. "Just to be on the safe side, we’re trying to keep the neighboring port free," Contella explained. The robotic arm will reposition Cygnus if necessary; otherwise, it will depart before the Soyuz arrives.
NG-23 follows NG-21 in August 2024, and marks a significant recovery after the indefinite delay of NG-22 earlier this year due to damage to its pressurized cargo module during sea shipment. "It was a very unfortunate situation," commented Ryan Tintner, vice president of civil space systems at Northrop Grumman, attributing the damage to a sea mishap. Details on the extent of the damage and repairs remain undisclosed, with Tintner stating it "is still in work here" with the supplier, Thales Alenia Space in Italy. Despite this, he confirmed that "NG-22 will fly," with the launch timing still to be determined in collaboration with NASA.
This launch was the third Cygnus mission utilizing a Falcon 9, after NG-20 in January 2024 and NG-21 in August 2024. Northrop Grumman's previous reliance on its Antares rocket (with three launches on Atlas 5 rockets following a 2014 Antares failure) ended in 2023 due to the use of a Ukrainian-built first stage with Russian engines. Their partnership with Firefly Aerospace for the Antares 330, expected to be ready in 2026, explains the current reliance on Falcon 9. "We’re making great progress on the Antares 330 and that’s getting queued up to be used at some point, be ready to go, in 2026," Tintner said, adding that NG-24 will also launch on a Falcon 9 next year.