NASA Sets Coverage for Northrop Grumman’s 20th Cargo Mission to the International Space Station

NASA, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and SpaceX, is preparing for the launch of the 20th Northrop Grumman commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, which is scheduled for no earlier than 12:07 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 30, will carry a significant amount of supplies, including science investigations, equipment, and other essentials for the crew and their partners.

The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, which will be carried on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is filled with over 8,200 pounds of cargo. It is expected to arrive at the ISS on Thursday, February 1. NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli will capture the Cygnus using the station’s robotic arm, with NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara acting as backup. After capture, the spacecraft will be installed on the Unity module’s Earth-facing port.

One of the highlights of the research facilitated by this delivery includes the first surgical robot on the space station. This robot, which is designed to perform surgery in microgravity, could potentially revolutionize the way medical procedures are carried out in space. Another significant addition is an orbit re-entry platform that collects thermal protection systems data. This platform could provide valuable insights into the materials used to protect spacecraft during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Additionally, the delivery includes a 3D cartilage cell culture that maintains healthy cartilage in a lower gravity environment. This research could have implications for the development of cartilage tissue engineering on Earth. The MSTIC facility, an autonomous semiconductor manufacturing platform, is also part of the cargo. This facility could potentially pave the way for the production of semiconductors in space, reducing the reliance on Earth-based manufacturing.

Furthermore, a metal 3D printer is scheduled to be delivered, which will test the capability for printing small metal parts in space. This technology could have significant implications for the manufacturing industry, as it could potentially lead to the production of complex parts in space, reducing the need for transportation and the associated costs.

Live launch coverage will begin at 11:50 a.m. and will air on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and on the agency’s website. Prelaunch events, including a media teleconference, will start on Friday, January 26. Media interested in speaking to a subject matter expert about the science aboard the Cygnus should contact Sandra Jones at sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov.

The Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to remain at the ISS until May, at which point it will depart the orbiting laboratory and harmlessly burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. This spacecraft is named the S.S. Patricia “Patty” Hilliard Robertson after the former NASA astronaut.

NASA coverage of the mission includes various events, including a science webinar, prelaunch media teleconference, launch coverage, rendezvous and capture coverage, and installation operations coverage. Media interested in attending these events should register accordingly.

NASA Television launch coverage will begin at 11:50 p.m., January 30. For downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit NASA.gov/nasatv. Audio of the news teleconference and launch coverage will not be carried on the NASA “V” circuits. Launch coverage without NASA TV commentary via a tech feed will not be available for this launch.

Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 11:50 p.m., January 30, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video on NASA+ and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff.

Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. Virtual guests will have access to curated resources, schedule changes, and mission-specific information straight to their inbox. Following each activity, virtual guests are sent a mission-specific collectable stamp for their virtual guest passport.

Let people know you’re watching the mission on social media by following and tagging the following accounts: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @Space_Station, @ISS_Research, @ISS_CASIS.

For Spanish-language coverage, contact Antonia Jaramillo or Messod Bendayan at antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov or messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov.

For more information about NASA’s Northrop Grumman commercial resupply mission, visit https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-northrop-grumman-crs-20/.

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