Cygnus Departure: Latest Mission Update from Space Station

Northrop Grumman 's Cygnus Spacecraft Departs the International Space Station

Northrop Grumman 's Cygnus spacecraft is set to leave the International Space Station above western Mongolia , ending its mission that delivered over 8,200 pounds of supplies , scientific investigations , and hardware to the orbiting laboratory for NASA and its partners . This marks the company 's 20th commercial resupply mission to the space station.

Cygnus Departs Space Station for Destructive Re - Entry

The uncrewed Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to depart the International Space station on Friday , July 12 . The spacecraft will be detached from the Unity module 's Earth - facing port using the Canadarm2 robotic arm . NASA astronaut Mike Barratt will monitor Cygnus systems as it leaves the space station . After departure , the Kentucky Re - entry Probe Experiment-2 ( KREPE-2 ) will perform measurements to demonstrate a thermal protection system for re - entry into Earth 's atmosphere.

Following its departure , Cygnus will be filled with trash from the station crew and commanded to deorbit on Saturday , July 13 . This will result in a destructive re - entry where the spacecraft will safely burn up in Earth 's atmosphere . The Northrop Grumman spacecraft initially arrived at the space station on February 1 , launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Live Coverage and Mission Details

Live coverage of Cygnus ' departure will begin at 6:30 a.m. EDT on NASA TV and various online platforms . Those interested can learn how to stream NASA TV through different platforms , including social media . The spacecraft 's release is scheduled for 7 a.m. Flight controllers on the ground will be responsible for maneuvering Cygnus into position for its departure from the space station.

For more information about Cygnus ' mission and the International Space Station , visit NASA 's official website at https://www.nasa.gov/station . Stay updated with breaking news , images , and features from the space station on NASA 's blog , Instagram , and Facebook .

In conclusion , Northrop Grumman 's Cygnus spacecraft 's departure from the International Space Station signifies the completion of a successful mission delivering crucial supplies and conducting scientific investigations . The spacecraft 's upcoming destructive re - entry showcases the meticulous planning involved in space operations , ensuring safety and efficiency in all aspects of the mission.