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#1 out of 120.53%
science10h ago
Watch SpaceX launch big 'Cygnus XL' cargo spacecraft toward the ISS today
Space.com and 1 more
- SpaceX launched Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL (S.S. Steven R. Nagel) atop a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, delivering about 11,000 pounds of science and supplies to the ISS as part of CRS-24.
- The Cygnus XL cargo craft lifted off at 7:41 a.m. EDT on April 11, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40, marking a continued SpaceX-NASA resupply collaboration.
- Cygnus XL is designed for larger payloads, delivering roughly 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg) of science equipment and supplies to the ISS, expanding research and operations.
- Cygnus XL is scheduled to be captured by Canadarm2 and installed on the Unity module, enabling cargo unloading and ISS utilization during Expedition 74/75.
- This CRS-24 mission marks Northrop Grumman's 24th ISS resupply flight under NASA's CRS program, continuing the commercial partnership for on-orbit science and logistics.
- Cygnus XL carries dozens of research experiments, including a module to advance quantum science and hardware to boost stem cell production for medical research.
- NASA and SpaceX continue their collaboration to sustain ISS operations through regular cargo flights, enabling ongoing experiments and station life support.
- Cygnus XL is one of four robotic cargo spacecraft serving the ISS, alongside HTV-X, Progress, and Dragon, highlighting a diversified resupply fleet.
- NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube will host live arrival coverage, with NASA astronauts Hathaway and Williams operating the Canadarm2 during installation.
- Cygnus XL is expected to stay attached to the ISS through October, then depart and dispose of trash via atmospheric re-entry, burning up safely.
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