NASA is set to broadcast the departure of Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS). This event marks the conclusion of the Northrop Grumman CRS-24 mission, which successfully delivered over 5 tons of vital supplies, scientific equipment, and experiments to the orbiting laboratory. The Cygnus XL’s mission is crucial for maintaining the station’s operations and supporting cutting-edge research.
Farewell from Orbit
Every stage of the Cygnus XL’s mission, from its capture by the Canadarm2 robotic arm on April 13, 2026, to its upcoming departure, is meticulously planned. The spacecraft, having delivered a substantial payload, is now preparing for its return journey. The undocking of Cygnus XL from the Unity module is scheduled for 12:45 PM EDT on Friday, October 9. NASA will provide live coverage of this event on its official platforms.
What Happens Next?
During the undocking procedure, NASA astronaut Luke Delaney, currently aboard the ISS, will closely monitor the operation. Once released, the Cygnus XL will begin its descent towards Earth. Loaded with thousands of pounds of unneeded cargo and materials for disposal, the spacecraft will perform a controlled deorbit burn on Sunday, October 11. The Cygnus XL will safely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, posing no threat. NASA has not announced plans to broadcast the deorbit process.
The Cygnus XL spacecraft originally launched to the ISS on April 11 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission underscores the effectiveness of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program.
