The flight, designated NG-23, marks the introduction of the upgraded Cygnus XL, which boasts 33 per cent more cargo capacity than previous versions of the spacecraft. On this mission, Cygnus XL is carrying more than 5,000 kilograms of equipment, science experiments and supplies for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Since its first mission in 2013, the Cygnus program has delivered more than 71 tonnes of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, making it a mainstay of NASA’s commercial resupply efforts.
Ryan Tintner, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of civil space systems, said the larger spacecraft represented a major step forward.
“Our Cygnus XL is another step towards a thriving commercial space economy. The spacecraft carries more cargo, making each mission more efficient. We’ve supported NASA and the space station for decades, and we know what it takes to develop advanced capabilities for exploring space,” he said.
In line with tradition, Northrop Grumman has named the spacecraft after a pioneer of human spaceflight. NG-23’s Cygnus XL is named for William “Willie” McCool, a US Navy aviator and NASA astronaut who served as pilot of the STS-107 Space Shuttle Columbia mission in 2003. McCool and his six crewmates were lost when Columbia disintegrated during re-entry at the end of that flight.
McCool’s naval career included test and operational deployments after completing flight training in 1986, with more than 2,800 hours in the cockpit.
Beyond ferrying cargo, Cygnus has also supported the ISS in maintaining its orbit since 2022, providing reboost services when required. The XL version retains this function, with the option to perform additional boosts during the NG-23 mission depending on NASA’s needs.
The spacecraft integrates multiple systems manufactured by Northrop Grumman, including avionics, power modules, harness assemblies, UltraFlex solar arrays, spacecraft structures, propulsion tanks and thermal control hardware.
The successful launch underscores the growing role of commercial partners in sustaining the ISS and developing the infrastructure needed for future space exploration.