Space Delivery Hits a Snag: Engine Glitch Halts Cargo Ship's Journey

A cargo ship, meant to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), faced an unexpected hurdle. The ship, launched by Northrop Grumman, encountered engine issues shortly after takeoff. This problem stopped the ship from reaching its destination. The plan was for the ship to arrive at the ISS on Wednesday. It was carrying over 11, 000 pounds of cargo. This included food, science experiments, and spare parts for the station's systems. But now, everything is on hold. NASA is working on a backup plan to get the supplies to the ISS.This was the first time Northrop Grumman used its new, larger model, called Cygnus XL. The ship was designed to carry more cargo than before. The ISS, orbiting 260 miles above Earth, relies on regular shipments from different companies. These include Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and Russia. The engine trouble highlights the challenges of space travel. Even with advanced technology, unexpected issues can arise. This situation shows the importance of having backup plans. It also reminds us of the critical role cargo ships play in supporting the ISS and its crew.