Northrop Grumman (NG) and SpaceX are set to launch the Cygnus spacecraft aboard a Falcon 9 rocket next week from Florida to the International Space Station. The launch window opens at 12:29 PM on Monday, January 29th.
This launch will be the 20th resupply mission carried out as part of NG’s Commercial Resupply contract with NASA. In addition to food and supplies for the astronauts, Cygnus will be carrying out different scientific experiments. One experiment is a surgical robot that will allow teams to test the ability to perform a remote surgery in space with an operator on the ground. The technology is critical for longer-duration space missions as the possibility of an astronaut requiring a medical procedure increases.
Also included onboard will be a 3D printer to test additives that would allow for the printing of metal parts in space. Data from this test can help change what would ultimately need to be launched on a mission. Additionally, capsules on board will test different heat shield options as the vehicle re-enters the atmosphere at the conclusion of the mission.
The launch represents a significant shift in operations for Northrup Grumman and highlights the need for a robust commercial space operations ecosystem. Previously utilizing Antares 230+ rockets launched in Virginia, supply chain issues forced NG to explore alternative means of sending their cargo to the ISS. SpaceX and NG signed a three-launch deal to include future Cygnus missions. Consequently, the NG-20 mission marks the first launch of a Cygnus spacecraft from Florida.
Facing an already packed schedule, the launch comes at a time when SpaceX is trying to hasten its launch cadence. With a goal of 100 orbital launches this year, SpaceX is fine-tuning its logistics and opting to return the booster to LZ-1 as opposed to landing on a droneship. SpaceX Vice President of Launch Kiko Dontchev posted on X that the drone ships are currently undergoing a maintenance period for the next several weeks.
On a side note, SpaceX Falcon 9Booster B1072 will be making its inaugural flight. The mission will launch from Cape Canvaeral’s SLC-40, and the first stage will return to the Cape to land at LZ-1.
