SpaceX Ready for Another Groundbreaking Mission

Tonight's the night! SpaceX is set to launch Northrop Grumman's revolutionary new cargo ship, the "Cygnus XL," on its inaugural journey to the International Space Station (ISS) this evening, September 14th. Get ready to witness history!

Launch Details You Can't Miss

The excitement begins as a Falcon 9 rocket prepares to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 6:11 p.m. EDT (2211 GMT). You won’t want to miss it—join SpaceX and NASA for a live stream of the countdown, kicking off about 30 minutes before liftoff.

The Mission: NG-23

Dubbed NG-23, this mission marks Northrop Grumman’s 23rd cargo flight to the ISS for NASA. It's significant as it follows a long hiatus; the last Cygnus flight, NG-21, occurred back in August 2024.

Overcoming Challenges on the Path

Originally, the Cygnus XL was slated to launch earlier this year. However, complications arose when NG-22 was delayed due to avionics issues and subsequently canceled after the spacecraft sustained damage during transport. But now, the stage is all set for this impressive debut.

Cygnus XL: Bigger and Better

The Cygnus XL is not just a revamped model; it’s a powerhouse! While its predecessor could deliver about 8,500 pounds (3,855 kg) of cargo, the Cygnus XL is stepping up with a whopping 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg) on this mission!

Cutting-Edge Cargo