Cygnus XL has 33% more cargo capacity than the previous variant and on this mission is carrying over 11,000 pounds of equipment, science experiments and supplies to the station crew. Since its first flight in 2013, Cygnus has delivered more than 71,000 kg (approximately 148,000 pounds) of cargo to the orbiting laboratory.
Ryan Tintner, vice president, civil space systems, Northrop Grumman, said: “Our Cygnus XL is another step towards a thriving commercial space economy. The spacecraft carries more cargo, making each mission more efficient. We’ve supported NASA and the space station for decades, and we know what it takes to develop advanced capabilities for exploring space.”
Each Cygnus spacecraft is named in honour of an individual who has contributed significantly to human spaceflight. The NG-23 vehicle is named for William “Willie” McCool, a NASA astronaut and naval aviator who served as pilot of the STS-107 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003 and perished during the Columbia accident.
Cygnus has been providing reboost services to maintain the station’s orbit since 2022, with the possibility of additional support during this mission depending on NASA’s requirements. The Cygnus XL also integrates several Northrop Grumman-manufactured components, including avionics, power modules, solar arrays, spacecraft structures and propulsion systems.
Northrop Grumman describes itself as a leading global aerospace and defence technology company, equipping customers with solutions that connect and protect the world and extend the boundaries of human exploration. The company highlights its shared purpose of solving its customers’ toughest problems, with employees working to “define possible” every day.
