Space Station Gets a Late but Important Delivery

A cargo ship finally reached the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, a day behind schedule.

Arrival and Docking

• Spacecraft: Cygnus XL, built by Northrop Grumman
• Cargo: Over 5 tons of supplies and experiments
• Astronaut: Jonny Kim
• Time: 7:24 am EDT
• Method: Station's robotic arm

After capture, the robotic arm moved the Cygnus to a docking port, where bolts secured it in place.

Mission Details

• Duration at ISS: Up to six months
• Activities: Unloading cargo, filling with trash
• Departure: Cygnus will leave the station and burn up over the Pacific Ocean

Launch and Initial Issues

• Launch Date: Sunday
• Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
• Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
• Problem: Main engine shutdown too early during maneuvers
• Cause: Spacecraft's software designed to protect from potential problems
• Solution: Software update allowed successful approach

Upgraded Cygnus XL

• Capacity: 33% more supplies
• Cargo: Food, oxygen, nitrogen, spare parts, new navigation aid
• Research Equipment:
• Study on making semiconductor crystals in space
• Test on keeping cryogenic propellants cold during long space trips