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SpaceX has successfully launched a newly designed Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the CRS-23 mission.
The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Sunday evening. The Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL spacecraft, loaded with supplies for the ISS, lifted off smoothly.
You can see the Falcon 9 rocket’s liftoff below:
[Video or picture of Falcon 9 launch]
A short time after launch, the Cygnus XL spacecraft was on its way toward the station:
[Update tweet about separation]
Approximately eight minutes after takeoff, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket landed back at Landing Zone 2 (LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral.
This marks the fourth flight for this particular booster, which previously supported missions for Ax-4, Crew-11, and a Starlink deployment. Thanks to SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology, the booster is now ready for future launches after refurbishment.
The Cygnus XL is scheduled to berth with the ISS around 6:35 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 17. Unlike earlier versions, this model is larger and more capable, able to carry up to 11,000 pounds (about 5,000 kg) of cargo—33% more than the previous version, which could hold approximately 8,500 pounds (around 3,855 kg).
This new spacecraft replaces the older Enhanced variant that first launched in 2015. Its increased size and capacity will enable it to deliver more supplies and research equipment to the station, supporting a variety of scientific and operational needs.
Ryan Tinter, vice president of Civil Space Systems at Northrop Grumman, explained the importance of this mission, stating, “It’s really critical because we can deliver significantly more science, as well as more cargo before launch, which helps reduce costs per kilogram for NASA.” He emphasized that establishing these reliable commercial transportation options is key to the future of low-Earth orbit activities and space logistics.
Like earlier Cygnus models, this version does not dock automatically. Instead, it is captured manually by the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm and then attached to the Unity module.
The Cygnus XL can remain attached to the station for up to 200 days, after which it will depart and disintegrate upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
[Insert image of the Cygnus XL spacecraft]
Northrop Grumman’s goal with this improved design is to enhance cargo capacity and streamline resupply missions, playing a vital role in the ongoing development of commercial space activities.
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