Northrop Grumman’s 20th Cargo Resupply Mission Successfully Launches to the International Space Station for NASA

Rhea-AI Summary

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft successfully launched to the International Space Station, marking its 20th resupply mission. The spacecraft, carrying over 8,200 pounds of supplies, equipment, and science experiments, will remain attached to the station for up to six months. The mission reflects Cygnus's flexibility to launch on various vehicles, demonstrating Northrop Grumman's commitment to support NASA's mission. The spacecraft is named in honor of Dr. Patricia Hilliard Robertson, a NASA astronaut who made significant contributions to human spaceflight.

The Cygnus spacecraft, named in honor of astronaut Dr. Patricia “Patty” Hilliard Robertson, will deliver critical supplies to astronauts

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Cygnus cargo delivery spacecraft was successfully launched to the International Space Station today by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This is the company’s 20^th resupply mission, designated as NG-20.

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft for the NG-20 cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

• Under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Service-2 (CRS-2) contract, Cygnus is carrying more than 8,200 pounds of critical supplies, equipment and science experiments for astronauts on the station.
• After its rendezvous with the International Space Station on February 1, Cygnus will remain attached to the station for up to six months. The spacecraft may perform additional services such as reboosting the station’s orbit to counteract atmospheric drag. Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus provides the only U.S. spacecraft reboost capability for the International Space Station.
• Cygnus uses Northrop Grumman’s vertical integration capabilities, incorporating essential products manufactured by the company like spacecraft structures, propellant tanks, UltraFlex solar arrays and loop heat pipe radiators for thermal control.
  
  

Expert:

Cyrus Dhalla, vice president and general manager, tactical space systems, Northrop Grumman: “This mission reflects Cygnus’s flexibility to launch on a variety of launch vehicles, demonstrating our ability to deliver on our commitments to support NASA’s mission. With a decade of experience in cargo and logistics services, Northrop Grumman will continue supporting missions on the International Space Station and future civil and commercial exploration.”

Details on Cygnus:

Each Cygnus spacecraft is named in honor of an individual who has made significant contributions to human spaceflight. For the NG-20 mission, Cygnus celebrates the legacy of Dr. Patricia “Patty” Hilliard Robertson, a medical doctor, avid aerobatic pilot and NASA astronaut. She completed a two-year Space Medicine fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Robertson was selected as an astronaut in 1998 and scheduled to fly to the ISS in 2002, before her untimely death in 2001 from injuries sustained in a private plane crash.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

Contact:	Ellen Klicka
	703-402-4404 (mobile)
	Ellen.klicka@ngc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd78392e-0e50-4659-97bc-3dc9c7c1834f

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Northrop Grumman Corporation?

The ticker symbol for Northrop Grumman Corporation is NOC.

How many pounds of supplies is the Cygnus spacecraft carrying?

The Cygnus spacecraft is carrying over 8,200 pounds of critical supplies, equipment, and science experiments for astronauts on the International Space Station.

How long will the Cygnus spacecraft remain attached to the International Space Station?

After its rendezvous with the International Space Station on February 1, Cygnus will remain attached to the station for up to six months.

Who was Dr. Patricia Hilliard Robertson?

Dr. Patricia Hilliard Robertson was a medical doctor, avid aerobatic pilot, and NASA astronaut who was selected as an astronaut in 1998 and scheduled to fly to the ISS in 2002 before her untimely death in 2001.

What is the mission designation for the Cygnus cargo delivery mission?

The mission is designated as NG-20, marking Northrop Grumman's 20th resupply mission to the International Space Station.