Time: 2024-07-17
A private cargo spacecraft , Northrop Grumman 's Cygnus , departed the International Space Station ( ISS ) on July 12 , ending a 5.5 - month orbital stay . The Cygnus vehicle undocked from the ISS while it was over the South Atlantic at 7:01 a.m. EDT . The spacecraft , named the S.S. Patricia " Patty " Hilliard Robertson , launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Jan. 30 , beginning the NG-20 mission for NASA . It delivered over 8,200 pounds of supplies and scientific hardware to the ISS and will now carry out the Kentucky Re - entry Probe Experiment-2 to demonstrate a thermal protection system during re - entry into Earth 's atmosphere.
The departure of Cygnus from the ISS will be live - streamed by NASA , with robotics controllers releasing it into orbit above the South Pacific . NASA Flight Engineers Tracy C. Dyson and Matthew Dominick packed Cygnus with trash and gear , preparing for its separation early Friday . The crew aboard the ISS , comprising Expedition 71 and Starliner crews , conducted space biology research , maintenance , and equipment servicing in preparation for future spacewalks and missions.
NASA astronauts conducted advanced biology research , exploring the effects of space on the human body and mind . Mike Barratt drew blood samples and took cognition tests , while Suni Williams extracted DNA for genetic biotechnology experiments . Spacewalk preparations were made by servicing spacesuits and testing communication systems . Engineering tasks included replacing carbon dioxide bottles , servicing life support components , and working on orbital plumbing systems . Cosmonauts studied piloting spacecraft and robots for planetary missions and tested a 3D printer in the Nauka science module.
In conclusion , the departure of Cygnus from the ISS marks the end of a successful resupply mission , with live coverage available for the event . The crew continued their research and maintenance activities , preparing for upcoming spacewalks and future missions aboard the Space station . The collaboration between NASA , Northrop Grumman , and the international partners ensures the continuous operation and scientific advancements on the ISS.
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