Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus robotic freighter successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) early Tuesday morning, August 6, delivering approximately 4 tons of essential supplies and scientific equipment to the orbiting laboratory.
The Cygnus spacecraft, which was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Sunday, August 4, was captured by the ISS’s robotic arm at 3:11 a.m. (0711 GMT) as the station and the freighter flew over the South Atlantic Ocean. This particular Cygnus, named the S.S. Richard “Dick” Scobee after the commander of the ill-fated Challenger mission (STS-51-L), brought nearly 8,200 pounds (3,720 kilograms) of cargo, including food and scientific gear.
Private Cygnus freighter arrives at the ISS with 4 tons of supplies (photos) pic.twitter.com/2lQJGMWjkm
— X (@mmurrietta8) August 6, 2024
Among the experiments on board is the Rotifer-B2 study, aimed at understanding how spaceflight affects DNA repair mechanisms in the rotifer species Adineta vaga. These tiny but resilient organisms can withstand extreme conditions, including radiation levels that are 100 times higher than what human cells can endure. NASA officials hope that this research will enhance the general understanding of DNA damage and repair mechanisms, with potential applications on Earth.
Watch private Cygnus freighter arrive at the ISS early Aug. 6 https://t.co/MvveJN4Z6c
— David Papp (@DavidPapp) August 6, 2024
The NG-21 mission, marking the 21st flight of a Cygnus vehicle to the ISS, underscores the ongoing collaboration between NASA and commercial partners to support scientific research and supply missions. Despite encountering a hiccup shortly after launch, with the Cygnus missing a planned engine burn and subsequently aborting a rescheduled burn due to lower-than-expected pressure readings, Northrop Grumman engineers evaluated the data and determined that the readings were within acceptable parameters. The Cygnus then performed two successful engine burns, aligning itself correctly for the rendezvous with the ISS.
Key Points:
- Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus freighter successfully docked with the ISS, delivering about 4 tons of supplies.
- The Cygnus spacecraft, named S.S. Richard “Dick” Scobee, launched on August 4 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
- Among the delivered items is the Rotifer-B2 experiment, which studies DNA repair mechanisms in space.
- The mission, NG-21, is the 21st Cygnus flight to the ISS, supporting ongoing scientific research.
- Despite an initial engine burn issue, the Cygnus corrected its course and docked with the ISS.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
