Key Takeaways:
- 1. Damage occurred to a spacecraft’s cargo module during shipment, prompting officials to move forward with the next spacecraft for launch this month.
- 2. The upcoming mission involves the Cygnus XL spacecraft, carrying the heaviest load of supplies ever to the ISS by a commercial cargo vehicle.
- 3. If the main engine on the Cygnus spacecraft is unusable, alternative options, like using smaller thrusters, may be considered for orbital adjustments.
The Cygnus spacecraft's pressurized cargo module was damaged during shipment, leading officials to prioritize the next spacecraft for launch. The Cygnus XL mission is the first flight of this larger model, carrying a record amount of supplies to the ISS. In the event of main engine issues, alternative options such as using smaller thrusters for orbital adjustments might be explored.
Insight: Unlike SpaceX's Cargo Dragon, Cygnus is not designed to return to Earth intact but instead undergoes a destructive reentry. The NG-23 mission includes essential supplies like food, hardware for experiments, and spare parts for the ISS.
This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: Ars Technica.
Read the original article here: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/09/a-record-supply-load-wont-reach-the-international-space-station-as-scheduled/
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