After successfully delivering over 8,200 pounds of supplies, scientific investigations, commercial products, hardware, and more, Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, March 28. This mission marks the company’s 21st commercial resupply mission to the ISS for NASA and its international partners.
Space enthusiasts can tune in to NASA’s live coverage of the undocking and departure, which will begin at 6:30 a.m. EDT on NASA+. To catch all the action, learn how to access NASA content through various platforms, including social media channels.
Flight controllers on the ground will execute commands to utilize the Canadarm2 robotic arm at the ISS. This arm will detach Cygnus from the Unity module’s Earth-facing port, preparing the spacecraft for its release at 6:55 a.m. NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers will oversee Cygnus’ systems during its departure from the space station, ensuring a smooth transition.
After its departure, Cygnus will be filled with trash packed by the station crew and will be commanded to deorbit on Sunday, March 30. This planned deorbit will lead to a safe re-entry where the spacecraft will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, concluding its mission.
The Northrop Grumman spacecraft arrived at the ISS on August 6, 2024, after launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This successful mission underscores the critical role of commercial resupply missions in supporting the ongoing operations of the International Space Station.
For breaking news, images, and features from the space station, visit the station blog and follow NASA on Instagram, Facebook, and X. To learn more about Cygnus' mission and the important work being done on the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station.
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