© Photo: NASA — American Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft
The American Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, a vital vehicle for delivering essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), has encountered unexpected technical difficulties. As a result, its scheduled arrival at the orbiting laboratory will be delayed. NASA officially announced the postponement, stating that specialists from both NASA and Northrop Grumman are actively collaborating to devise an alternative plan for the cargo ship`s orbital correction.
Initially, the Cygnus XL was projected to reach the space station on Wednesday, September 17. However, this timeline is no longer feasible, and a new arrival date and time are currently under thorough review by mission control. The core of the issue, as reported by NASA, is the premature shutdown of the Cygnus XL`s main engine. Despite this setback, the agency has confirmed that all other systems onboard the spacecraft are operating without any reported anomalies.
It is worth recalling that the launch of the Cygnus XL from its launch pad in Florida proceeded successfully without any hitches. The spacecraft carries a valuable payload, including specialized materials crucial for the production of pharmaceutical crystals. These crystals are vital for advanced research aimed at developing new and improved treatments for debilitating conditions such as cancer and various other serious diseases, underscoring the importance of this resupply mission.
