Pressurized Resupply Vessel #Cygnus n°18 just completed integration activities at @Thales_Alenia_S in #Turin and will soon reach @northropgrumman at @NASA_Wallops before being launched towards the @Space_Station. #spaceforlife 🚀🌌
Do we have any idea on date/time of launch yet?
NASA’s SpaceX CRS-25 Prelaunch News Conference [July 13, 8 pm EDT]Dana Weigel, deputy program manager, International Space Station Program, NASA. Opening remarks: NG-18 launch in October 2022, followed by SpX-26.
Northrop Grumman’s next resupply flight to the International Space Station has been delayed from mid-August to mid-October by supply chain issues, [Josh Dinman, a Northrop Grumman spokesperson] said Tuesday.
[Dinman] said the NG-18 launch delay is “mainly due to supply chain issues.”
The Cygnus spacecraft’s pressurized cargo module, built by Thales Alenia Space in Italy, has been delivered to the launch site at Wallops Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and processing of the Antares launch vehicle for the NG-18 mission continues at the launch site, Dinman said.
The Cygnus service module is undergoing final testing at Northrop Grumman’s satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia, according to Dinman.
the Northrop Grumman-18 (NG-18) Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) mission. The NG-18 VLEO mission is comprised of VSCP-1A (SeaLion from ODU & USCGA) and VSCP-1B (UtProSat-1 from VT), both of which are 3U cubesats to be deployed off the second stage of the Antares Launch Vehicle.
The BIRDS 5 Satellites: left to right, ZIMSAT-1, TAKA, and PEARLAFRICASAT-1. Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Project-5 (BIRDS-5 Project) is a constellation of two 1U CubeSats and one 2U CubeSat developed by Uganda, Zimbabwe and Japan, with Uganda and Zimbabwe launching their first satellite. The mission of BIRDS-5 is to perform multispectral observations of the Earth with a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) camera equipped with a filter, and to demonstrate in-orbit of a high-energy electronic measuring instrument (PINO) that can be mounted in CubeSat size.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Victor Mukungunugwa
https://images.nasa.gov/details-jsc2022e062019 (https://images.nasa.gov/details-jsc2022e062019)
https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/Quote...
NET Nov. 6 • Antares • NG-18
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
...
Media accreditation is open for the launch of the next commercial resupply services mission to deliver NASA science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station.
Northrop Grumman is targeting liftoff of its Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft no earlier than 5:50 a.m. EST (10:50 UTC), Nov. 6, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.
Both U.S. and international media may apply for credentials to cover the pre-launch and launch activities at Wallops. The application deadline for media who are U.S. citizens is Friday, Oct. 28. International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. All media, as described in the NASA accreditation policy, must send their accreditation request to Keith Koehler at: [email protected].
Each resupply mission to the station delivers scientific investigations in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations.
Sep 28, 2022
MEDIA ADVISORY M22-138
NASA Invites Media to Northrop Grumman’s Antares Cargo Resupply Launch
Media accreditation is open for the launch of the next commercial resupply services mission to deliver NASA science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station.
Northrop Grumman is targeting liftoff of its Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft no earlier than 5:50 a.m. EST, Nov. 6, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.
Both U.S. and international media may apply for credentials to cover the pre-launch and launch activities at Wallops. The application deadline for media who are U.S. citizens is Friday, Oct. 28. International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. All media, as described in the NASA accreditation policy, must send their accreditation request to Keith Koehler at: [email protected].
Each resupply mission to the station delivers scientific investigations in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations.
Highlights of space station research facilitated by delivery aboard this Cygnus are:
a facility and study that attempt to advance 3D biological printing of human tissue in space
a study taking advantage of microgravity to better understand catastrophic mudflows that can occur after wildfires
Uganda and Zimbabwe’s first satellites developed as a part of the BIRDS program, an interdisciplinary project for non-space faring countries
an investigation into how microgravity influences ovary function
an experiment that studies if changes space-grown plants undergo to adapt to microgravity can be transmitted through seeds to the next generation
Cargo resupply from U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver critical scientific research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA's ability to conduct new investigations aboard humanity’s laboratory in space.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman’s commercial resupply missions at:
https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman
-end-
Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft is processed for flight at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on September 24. The spacecraft is scheduled for flight on the company’s Antares rocket no earlier than 5:50 a.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2022, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops.
Credits: NASA
U.S./International Media: Apply to cover @NorthropGrumman’s Antares rocket and #Cygnus cargo launch Sunday, Nov. 6 from @NASA_Wallops. Aboard are experiments to study mudflows caused by wildfires, plant adaptation & Uganda and Zimbabwe's first satellite: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-invites-media-to-northrop-grumman-s-antares-cargo-resupply-launch
Want to see a rocket launch? 🚀
If you live in or near the Mid-Atlantic region, you’re in luck— our #NG18 cargo mission is set to launch to the @Space_Station on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 5:30am ET (2130 UTC). With clear skies, you might see it. Viewing times: https://go.nasa.gov/3eToYS6
****VA - ATLANTIC OCEAN - WALLOPS ISLAND – ROCKET LAUNCH****
Mariners are advised the launch director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia has advised that the area in the Atlantic Ocean within the existing danger zone off Wallops Island and Chincoteague Inlet (depicted in 33 CFR 334.130) as shown on Nautical Ocean Service chart 12210, will be hazardous to navigation because of a rocket launch during the periods and times stated below. The primary launch date is scheduled for Wallops Island, VA on; November 6, 2022 from 5:30 am to 8:45 am (Est), with the following back up dates and times:
11/07/22 05:00 AM-11/07/22 08:15 AM
11/08/22 04:45 AM-11/08/22 08:00 AM
11/09/22 04:15 AM-11/09/22 07:30 AM
11/10/22 03:45 AM-11/10/22 07:00 AM
11/11/22 03:30 AM-11/11/22 06:45 AM
11/12/22 03:00 AM-11/12/22 06:15 AM
11/13/22 02:45 AM-11/13/22 06:00 AM
11/14/22 02:15 AM-11/14/22 05:30 AM
11/15/22 02:00 AM-11/15/22 05:15 AM
The following 2 public ship avoidance areas will be in effect during these launch windows bound by: a 64 nautical mile hazard area approximately 61.6 nautical miles east of Wallops Island launch pad at center point of position 37-13.2N /74-27.59W, 153 nautical mile hazard area approximately 186.9 nautical miles east of Wallops Island launch pad at center point of position 29-12.67N /64-36.17W. Mariners planning on operating in these areas are requested to contact "Wallops Plot" via VHF-FM Ch. 12 or Ch. 22 or via landline at (757) 824-1685. For any concerns contact surveillance coordinator Jordan West at (757) 824-2949 or launch director John Dickerson at (757) 894-2094. See ENC 9.
NASA update from October 24, 2022:
COMMENT | EVENT | TIG | ORB | DV | HA | HP |
COMMENT | | GMT | | M/S | KM | KM |
COMMENT | | | | (F/S) | (NM) | (NM) |
COMMENT =============================================================================
COMMENT
COMMENT NG-18 Launch 310:10:50:11.000 0.0 426.7 407.5
COMMENT (0.0) (230.4) (220.1)
COMMENT NG-18 Berth 312:10:50:00.000 0.0 426.8 407.0
COMMENT (0.0) (230.5) (219.8)
COMMENT
COMMENT =============================================================================
NASA update from October 26, 2022:
Cygnus NG-18 Launch 310:10:50:13
.@NASA and @northropgrumman are targeting 5:50am ET, on Sunday, Nov. 6 for the launch of the company’s 18th resupply mission to the space station. 🚀
📺 Live launch coverage from @NASA_Wallops starts at 5:30am ET on NASA TV. nasa.gov/live
Oct 28, 2022
MEDIA ADVISORY M22-159
NASA Sets TV Coverage for Cargo Launch to International Space Station
NASA and commercial cargo provider Northrop Grumman are targeting 5:50 a.m. EST, Sunday, Nov. 6, for launch of the company’s 18th resupply mission to the International Space Station.
Live coverage of the launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia, will air on NASA Television. Watch live beginning at 5:30 a.m. on the agency’s website at:
www.nasa.gov/live
Loaded with approximately 8,200 pounds of research, crew supplies, and hardware, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft will launch on the company’s Antares rocket from Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. It will arrive at the space station on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
NASA TV coverage of rendezvous and capture will begin at 4:30 a.m. EST followed by installation coverage at 7:30 a.m. At about 5:50 a.m., Expedition 68 NASA astronaut Nicole Mann will capture Cygnus, with NASA astronaut Josh Cassada acting as backup. After Cygnus capture, ground commands will be sent from mission control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for the station’s arm to rotate and install it on the station’s Unity module Earth-facing port.
Highlights of hardware and space station research facilitated by samples and equipment aboard this Cygnus are:
a facility and study that attempt to advance the 3D biological printing of human tissue in space
a study taking advantage of microgravity to better understand catastrophic mudflows that can occur after wildfires
Uganda and Zimbabwe’s first satellites developed as a part of the BIRDS program, an interdisciplinary project for non-space faring countries
an investigation into how microgravity influences ovary function
an experiment that studies if changes space-grown plants undergo to adapt to microgravity can be transmitted through seeds to the next generation
hardware to be installed outside the station in preparation for the installation of Roll-Out Solar Arrays
The Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to remain at the space station until late January 2023 when it will depart, disposing of several tons of trash during a destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
This Cygnus is dubbed the S.S. Sally Ride in honor of late NASA astronaut, physicist, and first American woman to fly in space, Sally Ride. Ride spent 14 days across two space shuttle missions performing science experiments, making observations of Earth, deploying satellites, and conducting technology demonstrations. She was an advocate for diversity and representation in science and dedicated much of her life to inspiring young people, particularly young women, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Prelaunch Briefing
A prelaunch briefing will be held at 1 p.m. EDT, Saturday, Nov. 5, and may be viewed on NASA Television and the agency’s website. Participants will include:
Joel Montalbano, manager, International Space Station Program, NASA
Heidi Parris, associate program scientist for the International Space Station
Steve Krein, vice president, Civil and Commercial Space, Northrop Grumman
Kurt Eberly, director, Space Launch Programs, Northrop Grumman
Roosevelt "Ted" Mercer, Jr., CEO and executive director, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority
Jeff Reddish, range chief, NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility
Accredited media may attend the briefing in-person at the NASA Wallops Visitor Center. Media who wish to participate by phone must contact Kiana Raines at [email protected] by noon on Friday, Nov. 4, for dial-in information.
Additionally, media and the public can submit questions on social media using #AskNASA.
NASA TV Coverage
Sunday, November 6:
5:30 a.m. – Launch coverage begins
5:50 a.m. – Launch window opens
Tuesday, November 8:
4:30 a.m. – Rendezvous coverage begins
5:50 a.m. – Capture of Cygnus with the space station’s robotic arm
7:30 a.m. – Cygnus installation operations coverage
Public Participation
Members of the public can also participate in the journey through a variety of activities including registering to attend this launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for this mission also includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following a successful launch.
Live coverage and countdown commentary will begin at 5:30 a.m. EST Sunday, Nov. 6, and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTube, Twitter, and NASA’s App.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman commercial resupply missions at:
https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman
-end-
Lora Bleacher
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
[email protected]
Keith Koehler
Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va.
757-824-1579
[email protected]
Last Updated: Oct 28, 2022
Editor: Roxana Bardan
Tags: Commercial Resupply, Commercial Space, International Space Station (ISS), Wallops Flight Facility
A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with the company’s Cygnus spacecraft onboard, launches at 12:40 p.m. EST, Saturday, Feb. 19., 2022, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A, at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Northrop Grumman's 17th contracted cargo resupply mission for NASA to the International Space Station is carrying nearly 8,300 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew.
Credits: NASA Wallops/Patrick Black
211757Z OCT 22
NAVAREA IV 1159/22(12,25,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
VIRGINIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
061030Z TO 061345Z NOV, ALTERNATE
071000Z TO 071315Z, 080945Z TO 081300Z,
090915Z TO 091230Z, 100845Z TO 101200Z,
110830Z TO 111145Z, 120800Z TO 121115Z,
130745Z TO 131100Z, 140715Z TO 141030Z AND
150700Z TO 151015Z NOV IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 37-39.00N 075-31.00W, 37-50.00N 075-31.00W,
37-57.00N 075-27.00W, 37-52.00N 075-17.00W,
37-47.00N 075-08.00W, 36-37.00N 073-23.00W,
36-27.00N 073-44.00W.
B. 31-23.00N 065-17.00W, 28-31.00N 062-11.00W,
26-25.00N 064-05.00W, 30-03.00N 067-03.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 151115Z NOV 22.//
Antares has reached the pad! 🚀
Antares made its journey to @Virginia_Space's Pad 0A this morning to get ready for launch Nov. 6 at 5:50 a.m. ET. Later today, the vehicle will be stood up for testing before it’s lowered back down for final cargo loading over the weekend.
48-Hour Weather Update ⛅
Weather is predicted to be 80% favorable, with the main concern being a slight chance of low-level clouds that may potentially violate cloud ceiling requirements during the launch window on Nov. 6 at 5:50 am ET. Learn more:
L-72 Hour Forecast: 80% Favorable Weather for Sun. Launch
The Wallops Range weather office forecast issued today for the Nov. 6 launch of Northrop Grumman’s 18th resupply mission to the International Space Station puts weather at 80% favorable, with the main concern being a slight chance of low-level clouds that may potentially violate cloud ceiling requirements.
Unseasonably warm conditions and tranquil weather are expected through this weekend. A cold front will be located over the Appalachian Mountains Sunday morning, providing light southerly surface flow and upper-level cirrus cloudiness over the Wallops Region. An increase of low-level moisture over the Wallops region due to the light winds may provide some low-level clouds over the Wallops region near launch time. At this time, the primary concern for launch would be a slight chance of low-level clouds.
NASA commercial cargo provider Northrop Grumman is targeting 5:50 a.m. EST Sunday, Nov. 6, for the launch.
Author Jamie Adkins
Posted on November 3, 2022
Categories Antares, Cygnus, Expedition 68, Northrop Grumman
A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket carrying a Cygnus spacecraft loaded with cargo bound for the International Space Station stands vertical on Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Northrop Grumman’s 18th contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station will deliver more than 8,000 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew. The CRS-18 Cygnus spacecraft is named after the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, and is scheduled to launch at 5:50 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2022, EST. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jamie Adkins)
We’re sending an experiment to @Space_Station that will help examine how spaceflight stressors affect plants generationally. This study aboard @NASA’s #NG18 cargo mission could provide key insight for growing crops on the Moon & Mars, as well as on Earth. https://go.nasa.gov/3UhLFys
Lots of unpacking for @Space_Station's Expedition 68 crew. They received three tons of supplies last week, and following a Flight Readiness Review today, we are GO for @northropgrumman's Cygnus launch on Sunday, Nov. 6. (1/2)
24-Hour Weather Update ⛅
Weather continues to be 80% favorable, with the main concern being a slight chance of low-level clouds that may potentially violate cloud ceiling requirements during the launch window on Nov. 6 at 5:50 am EST. Learn more: go.nasa.gov/3WCriya
L-24 Hour Forecast: Weather Continues to be 80% Favorable for Sun. Launch
The Wallops Range L-24 hour forecast issued today for tomorrow’s Nov. 6 launch of Northrop Grumman’s 18th resupply mission to the International Space Station continues to be 80% favorable for weather conditions, with the main concern being a slight chance of low-level clouds that may potentially violate cloud ceiling requirements.
Unseasonably warm conditions and tranquil weather are expected through this weekend. A cold front will be located over the Appalachian Mountains Sunday morning, providing light southerly surface flow and upper-level cirrus cloudiness over the Wallops Region. An increase of low-level moisture over the Wallops region due to the light winds may provide some low-level clouds over the Wallops region near launch time. At this time, the primary concern for launch would be a slight chance of low-level clouds.
NASA commercial cargo provider Northrop Grumman is targeting 5:50 a.m. EST Sunday, Nov. 6, for the launch.
Envious of Antares being able to sleep in on a Saturday morning. To be fair, it’s got a big day tomorrow that starts very early.
From the NG-18 pre-launch briefing:
- no technical issues being worked;
- weather 80% go for 5:50 am EST launch (fog primary concern);
- no impacts of Russian invasion of Ukraine on launch preps.
Joel Montalbano-all set for launch tomorrow morning at 5:50 am ET with 5 minute launch window (don't forget to change your clocks). Will stay docked for about 3 months. 8,200 pounds of hardware
Steve Krein of Northrop Grumman says it's carrying 8,265 pounds of cargo, which is "1 pound of margin, so we really topped it off"
Antares went vertical while I was out at the pad setting up remotes!
It flies tomorrow at 5:50 AM EST
#wallops #antares #nasa #NG18
For those in the mid-Atlantic region, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of the rocket across the sky. Follow our blog for updates: go.nasa.gov/3DMBxY6
Countdown Underway; Weather now 90% Favorable for Antares Launch
The countdown is underway for this morning’s 5:50 a.m. EST launch window of NASA commercial resupply provider Northrop Grumman‘s Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo spacecraft. Weather is now 90% favorable for the launch of this resupply mission to the International Space Station.
For those who’d like to follow along with the count early, live video and control room chatter is now airing on NASA Wallops’ IBM Cloud Video. Live coverage of the launch with commentary will air on NASA Television, the agency’s website and the NASA app beginning at 5:50 a.m. EST.
The five-minute launch window opens at 5:50 a.m. EST, with liftoff taking place from Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad-0A at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore of the state.
The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will be open for this launch. Gates open at 3:30 a.m. EST.
Viewing locations on Chincoteague Island include Robert Reed Park on Main Street or Beach Road spanning the area between Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. The beach at the Assateague Island National Seashore/Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will NOT be open during the launch.
Each resupply mission to the station delivers scientific investigations in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations.
This Cygnus is loaded with more than 8,200 pounds of research, crew supplies, and hardware. Research investigations launching to the orbiting laboratory aboard this Cygnus include:
a facility to advance 3D biological printing of human tissue in space
a study taking advantage of microgravity to better understand catastrophic mudflows that can occur after wildfires
Uganda and Zimbabwe’s first satellites developed as a part of the BIRDS program, an interdisciplinary project for non-space faring countries
an investigation into how microgravity influences ovary function
an experiment that studies if changes space-grown plants undergo to adapt to microgravity can be transmitted through seeds to the next generation
Cargo resupply from U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver critical science research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA’s ability to conduct new investigations at the only laboratory in space.
Author Jamie Adkins
Posted on November 6, 2022
Categories Antares, Cygnus, Expedition 68, Northrop Grumman
Cargo Highlights
Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket will launch the Cygnus spacecraft to the space station.
Hardware
ISS Power Augmentation Mod Kits - This critical hardware will be installed during the upcoming ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) EVAs, allowing the International Space Station Program to continue deploying the upgraded solar arrays.
Nitrogen/Oxygen Recharge System Oxygen Recharge Tank Assembly (RTA) - Unique gas vestibule filled with high-purity oxygen to resupply the on-orbit high-pressure gas tank. This resupply will support spacewalkers during the 2022 and 2023 scheduled spacewalks.
Commercial-off-the-Shelf Air Tanks - Eight disposable air tanks used for U.S. Operating Segment (USOS) gas resupply for routine atmospheric cabin repress activities in orbit.
Loop Crossover Assembly - Long-lead spare that will provide significant fault tolerance for cooling of critical hardware within the Destiny laboratory and the Tranquility module. This unit serves as a critical component for leak and failure recovery for internal thermal control systems.
Crew Quarters Intake and Exhaust Sensors - Supporting all crew quarters onboard the station, these intake and exhaust sensors will aid in ensuring active and accurate flow detection.
Major Constituents Analyzer (MCA) Mass Spectrometer - Used to monitor nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen, and water vapor onboard the space station, this orbital replacement unit will provide additional fault tolerance to support the MCAs in both the lab and Node 3.
Galley Rack User Panel - Critical spare allowing for full redundancy of the galley hardware used to prepare crew meals, as well the services provided in support of USOS crew health and science objectives.
Solid State Lighting Assemblies - Replacements to legacy lighting. With three units launching on Cygnus, additional fault tolerance will also be provided for the roughly 80 lighting locations onboard the station.
Cupola Scratch Pane - Upgraded acrylic scratch pane that provides improved optics and visuals for the crew when using the cupola.
Brine Processor Assembly Bladders - Used to recover additional water from urine brine, these units will further support the USOS segment's water reclamation and processing capability.
4 Bed CO2 Hardware - Upgraded blower, controller, enclosure, and acoustics blanket to improve real time operations and noise generated. These items will increase the utilization of the carbon dioxide scrubber and reduce the auditory impacts to the crew members aboard the station.
Antares has gone vertical ahead of tomorrow morning 5:50am EST launch!
Viewing guide: wallopslaunch.com
Antares launch of Cygnus NG-18 to the ISS.
Overview:
https://nasaspaceflight.com/2022/11/ng-18-launch/
Livestream:
youtube.com/watch?v=KWVoCBKOHtw
T-minus 23 minutes. Northrop Grumman's mission control center in Dulles, Virginia, is working an issue and is currently "no go" for launch. https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/06/antares-cygnus-ng-18-mission-status-center/
Antares/NG-18: Liftoff from pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Island, Virginia, flight facility is targeted for 5:50:16am EST (1050 UTC); weather is go
Launch scrubbed due to fire alarm at Cygnus control center. Teams had to evacuate. 24 hour recycle.
SCRUB. The Antares launch director reports there was a fire alarm at the Cygnus spacecraft's mission control center in Dulles, Virginia. The control team won't be able to get back inside the building to support a launch attempt today.
Antares/NG-18: A fire alarm at Northrop Grumman's mission control center near Dulles International Airport prompted an evacuation; issue could not be cleared before today’s window closed; flight controllers now recycling for launch Monday at 5:27am EST (1027 UTC)
Is the presence of the SeaLion and UtProSat-1 cubesats from the VLEO project (https://www.space.vt.edu/psgn.html) confirmed?
Slated to launch on NG-18 in August 2022, the Ut ProSat-1 mission demanded only a little over a year to go from initial concept to delivered cubesat. Though the launch slipped to NG-19 in February 2023, the pace was hardly less demanding of a team comprised of nearly all students
The #Antares rocket with the #Cygnus spacecraft stands ready for tomorrow’s NG-18 launch from @NASA_Wallops at 5:27 a.m. EST taking supplies to the crews aboard the @Space_Station for @NASA. Go Antares! Go S.S. Sally Ride!
Is the spacecraft always loaded with the same weight? Or how do they adjust the thrust from the trust from the second stage solid rocket motor for different masses.
One hour until this morning’s NG-18 launch. Controllers say they’re looking at an engine issue, but launch preparations are continuing.
Antares launch of Cygnus NG-18 to the ISS.
Overview:
nasaspaceflight.com/2022/11/ng-18-…
NSF Livestream:
youtube.com/watch?v=wEZo0q…
Northrop Grumman named the Cygnus space station cargo ship for the NG-18 mission after Sally Ride, who became the first US woman to fly in space on a space shuttle mission in 1983.
The range at Wallops Island, Virginia, is currently "red" due to a boat in restricted waters near the Antares launch site
The boat currently causing the Wallops range to be "red" is one of the range's own support boats that had an engine failure, according to reports to Antares launch control.
Antares/NG-18: Countdown has entered the 5-minute hold; also, range is red because of trouble of some sort with a support boat engine
The range is now "green" for launch of the Antares rocket from Virginia's Eastern Shore at 5:32:42am EST (1032:42 GMT).
Northrop Grumman's launch conductor just concluded his final prelaunch readiness poll.
All stations gave a "go" for launch, with no problems reported that could prevent an on-time liftoff at 5:32:42am EST (1032:42 GMT).
The countdown clock has resumed.
Antares/NG-18: LIFTOFF! At 5:32:42am EST (1032 UTC)
We have liftoff! 🚀
The S.S. Sally Ride spacecraft, named after the first American woman in space, has launched from
@NASA_Wallops at 5:32am ET (1032 UTC). #CRS18
Antares/NG-18: 2nd stage ignition confirmed; this is a planned 2-minute 46-second burn (predicted)
The Antares rocket's Castor 30XL upper stage has ignited its solid-fueled motor to place the Cygnus spacecraft into orbit.
Northrop Grumman confirms good performance of the first stage's Russian-made RD-181 engines after completing their burn.
Antares/NG-18: Cygnus separation confirmed; solar array deploy is expected in about 2 hours; ISS capture expected Wednesday at 5:05am (1005 UTC)
Cygnus separation confirmed. Northrop Grumman's supply ship -- named the S.S. Sally Ride -- has deployed from the Antares rocket's upper stage in orbit.
The cargo craft is beginning a 48-hour flight to the International Space Station.
The CRS-18 resupply mission is heading to the station with spacewalk hardware, science, CubeSats from Uganda and Zimbabwe, and treats for the crew like pumpkin spice cappuccinos and fresh fruit! 🍂☕🍎 Watch rendezvous and capture at 3:30am ET on Nov. 9.
RELEASE 22-113
NASA Science, Cargo Launches on Northrop Grumman Resupply Mission
A Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply spacecraft is on its way to the International Space Station with more than 8,200 pounds of science investigations and cargo after launching at 5:32 a.m. EST Monday from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website will provide live coverage of the spacecraft’s approach beginning at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. Cygnus is scheduled to arrive at the space station around 5:05 a.m. Installation coverage will resume at 7:15 a.m. Watch all events at:
https://www.nasa.gov/live
NASA astronaut Nicole Mann will use the space station’s robotic Canadarm2 to capture Cygnus upon its arrival, while NASA astronaut Josh Cassada monitors telemetry during rendezvous, capture, and installation on the Earth-facing port of the Unity module.
Northrop Grumman’s 18th cargo flight to the space station is the seventh under its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA. The Cygnus spacecraft, which Northrop Grumman dubbed ‘S.S. Sally Ride’ after late NASA astronaut, physicist, and first American woman to fly in space, Sally Ride, launched on an Antares 230+ rocket from the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0A at Wallops.
The resupply mission will support dozens of the more than 250 investigations that will be conducted during Expedition 68. Included in the scientific investigations are:
Bioprinting tissues
The BioFabrication Facility successfully printed a partial human knee meniscus and a large volume of human heart cells during its first trip to space in 2019. Now the facility is returning to the microgravity laboratory with new capabilities to further human tissue printing research. The 3D bioprinter tests whether microgravity enables the printing of tissue samples of higher quality than those printed on the ground. These technologies could be used to help alleviate organ shortages for patients in need of transplants.
Assessing how plants adapt in space
Plants exposed to spaceflight undergo changes that involve the addition of extra information to their DNA, which regulates how genes turn on or off but does not change the sequence of the DNA itself. This process is known as epigenetic change. Plant Habitat-03 assesses whether such adaptations in one generation of plants grown in space can transfer to the next generation. The research could inform the development of plants better suited for use on future missions to provide food and other services. Results also could help develop or adapt crops and other economically important plants to grow in marginal and reclaimed habitats on Earth.
Mudflow mixtures
Catastrophic mudflows after wildfires can carry heavy boulders and debris downhill, which is dangerous to humans and causes significant damage to infrastructure and watersheds. Post-Wildfire Mudflow Micro-Structure evaluates the composition of these mudflows, which include sand, water, and trapped air. Results could improve understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern post-wildfire debris movement, including how mudflows trap air bubbles and carry heavy boulders. This investigation also could help develop and validate models to predict the spread and velocity of debris flows and their effect on houses, other infrastructure, and natural obstacles.
Ovarian cell development in microgravity
Sponsored by NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and coordinated by ASI, the Modulation of Granulosa and Theca Cells Activity in Microgravity: Consequences for Human Health and Reproduction (OVOSPACE) investigation examines the effect of microgravity on bovine cell cultures, as living for prolonged times in the reduced microgravity environment could impair fertility. OVOSPACE results could improve fertility treatments on Earth and help prepare for future human settlement in space.
First satellites from Uganda, Zimbabwe
The Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Project-5 (BIRDS-5) is a constellation of three CubeSats to be deployed after arrival at the space station: PEARLAFRICASAT-1, the first satellite developed by Uganda; ZIMSAT-1, Zimbabwe’s first satellite; and TAKA from Japan. BIRDS-5 performs multispectral observations of Earth using a commercial off-the-shelf camera and demonstrates a high-energy electronic measuring instrument. The statistical data collected could help distinguish bare ground from forest and farmland and possibly indicate the quality of agricultural growth. A cross-border university project, BIRDS provides students from developing nations with hands-on satellite development opportunities, laying a foundation for similar space technology projects in their home countries that ultimately could lead to sustainable space programs there.
These are just a sample of the hundreds of investigations currently conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Such research benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future human exploration through the agency’s Artemis missions, which will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future expeditions to Mars.
Cygnus also will deliver a new mounting bracket that astronauts will attach to the starboard side of the station’s truss assembly during a spacewalk planned for Tuesday, Nov. 15. The mounting bracket will enable the installation of one of the next pair of new solar arrays later this year.
The spacecraft will remain at the space station until January before it disposes of several thousand pounds of trash through its destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman’s mission at:
https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman/
-end-
A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with the company’s Cygnus spacecraft aboard, launched at 5:32 a.m. EST, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, from the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A, at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Northrop Grumman’s 18th contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station will deliver more than 8,000 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and spacecraft hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew. This Cygnus spacecraft is named after the first American woman in space, Sally Ride.
Credits: NASA/Jamie Adkins
Quick timelapse of the incredible twilight phenomena from this morning’s Antares launch from @NASA_Wallops . Seen from the Annapolis area
Long exposure pic of this morning’s Antares launch from @NASA_Wallops . Seen from the Annapolis area
LAUNCH! NG's Antares rocket launches Cygnus NG-18 to the ISS.
Overview:
nasaspaceflight.com/2022/11/ng-18-…
NSF Livestream:
youtube.com/watch?v=wEZo0q…
Staging 1-2.
Castor 30XL ignition. Person with the graphics is having fun with their cursor. 😲
S/C Sep!
Ride, Sally Ride!
Liftoff of Antares NG-18 #Antares #NG18 #Wallops
Two RD-181s powering the penultimate Antares 230 off of Pad-0A!
#NG18 #cygnus #antares
Antares/NG-18: The Cygnus solar arrays should have deployed by now, but we haven't seen an update from NASA or Northrop Grumman; will advise
One Cygnus Solar Array Deployed So Far
After launching earlier today, Nov. 7, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft has successfully deployed one of its two solar arrays. Northrop Grumman is gathering data on the second array deployment and is working closely with NASA.
Northrop Grumman has reported to NASA that Cygnus has sufficient power to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Wednesday, Nov. 9, to complete its primary mission, and NASA is assessing this and the configuration required for capture and berthing.
First Lucy's and now Cygnus circular Ultraflex array fails. Common fault or bad luck?
This may be second incident with this fan-out type of solar array, the first being with Lucy. After docking, perhaps the station arm could be used for a close inspection of that array. But way too early to tell at this point.
Wild guess at this point, but if the recovery forces after the weird maneuver during the payload jettison coast phase might have caused some trouble? Even if it was planned, those rates must have exerted some notable, sustained and apparently new torsional stress on the sep plane and surrounding areas.
Unlike Lucy, NG will have almost hands-on access to this anomaly. Will they make an attempt(s) to open the array after docking? I'm assuming the array will not be needed for departure and reentry.
Unlike Lucy, NG will have almost hands-on access to this anomaly. Will they make an attempt(s) to open the array after docking? I'm assuming the array will not be needed for departure and reentry.
I doubt it needs the second array but any operational spacecraft "ought" to have redundancy, especially when performing any kinds of maneuvering and proximity operations near another spacecraft. Assuming the deployed array is providing good current and voltage, and the Cygnus battery system remains healthy, one array is probably all that's required for departure and disposal burn. I admit to having not paid that much attention to Cygnus ops post-separation. Anyone know off-hand about how long Cygnus free-flies until burn-up?
The graphic during ascent appeared to show ACS thruster firings after staging but before the fairing adapter separated. Stage 2 uses cold gas thrusters. I doubt they are designed to fire before the adapter separates, but I'm not certain. (The User's Guide does say that Stage 2 ACS works during Stage 1/2 coast.) Anyone know?
- Ed Kyle
Antares punches a hole in the clouds following liftoff from @NASA_Wallops Launch Pad 0A for the #NG18 mission.
Unlike Lucy, NG will have almost hands-on access to this anomaly. Will they make an attempt(s) to open the array after docking? I'm assuming the array will not be needed for departure and reentry.
I doubt it needs the second array but any operational spacecraft "ought" to have redundancy, especially when performing any kinds of maneuvering and proximity operations near another spacecraft. Assuming the deployed array is providing good current and voltage, and the Cygnus battery system remains healthy, one array is probably all that's required for departure and disposal burn. I admit to having not paid that much attention to Cygnus ops post-separation. Anyone know off-hand about how long Cygnus free-flies until burn-up?
I took a quick look and it appears that Cygnus has deorbited as little as 24 hours after unberthing. The longest time as a free-flyer was around 25 days before deorbiting.
It seems more likely that the apparent flipping at S2 startup was a visualization glitch rather than the actual movement of the stage.
Could the stage actually rotate that way roughly around its axis with the engine running? If it was really facing the wrong way and if GNC can really recover from that, wouldn't it require a rather large circle to turn around?
It seems more likely that the apparent flipping at S2 startup was a visualization glitch rather than the actual movement of the stage.
Could the stage actually rotate that way roughly around its axis with the engine running? If it was really facing the wrong way and if GNC can really recover from that, wouldn't it require a rather large circle to turn around?
The Castor 30XL is electromechanically gimballed, so yes, and is capable of much more control authority than the RCS.
The visualization shows the stack always centered around its CoM, so you won't see translations, just rotations, no matter what movements it's actually performing. That's why you see the first stage "falling away" although in reality it's moving at mostly the same speed in a similar trajectory to the still unfired second stage, having received just a small push "backwards". The viewpoint isn't a camera centered on the predicted instantaneous point of flight, showing the stack in its actual 3D position. In fact, the visualization does not use "expected" predictions at all. In inertial space, the apparent movement would of course be quite different.
The second-stage coasting attitude anomaly and its return is probably not just a display anomaly, but an actual attitude change.Agreed. This only leaves the question of whether this was supposed to happen or not. We did see RCS firings on the graphic during the pre-start rotation, which would seem to indicate a purposeful rotation. Then again, maybe the RCS was fighting unexpected tip-off forces that could not be overcome until the Castor 30XL motor started. The thrusters appeared to be trying to orient the stage along the velocity vector, but without effect. (Could the stage have hung up on the first stage? Unseparated cable connector, etc.?)
At the time of the second stage ignition, the perigee altitude dropped from -5212km to -5226km, and after recovering its attitude, it started to rise again.
Another remote shot of Antares NG-18
A 2.5 second exposure of the pad shortly after Antares departed
kylemphoto.com/Galleries/NG-1…
Somewhat hypothetical topics for discussion: does the event necessitate a stand-down of Antares/Cygnus as an investigation is conducted? And somewhat specifically for @edkyle99 ;D, if an event during ascent damages a payload, does that make it a launch failure?
On the nominal timeline, wasn't the NG-18 arrival at ISS expected at around 06:00 Eastern time tomorrow morning ( 9 November)?
If there are modified approach options or timelines this should be very apparent as the day goes by.
Does it seem a bit unusual that more hasn't been released about the launch event and the state of the Cygnus?
If powered payloads have been turned off, doesn't it seem likely that there is at least some loss of science that can be expected ? (e.g. don't the life sciences payloads require power to ensure the viability of the experiments?)
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, NASA astronauts Josh Cassada and Frank Rubio will exit the station’s Quest airlock to assemble a mounting bracket on the starboard side of the station’s truss assembly. [...] The bracket and other hardware for the spacewalk is targeted to launch Sunday, Nov. 6, on the agency’s next Northrop Grumman Cygnus commercial resupply mission.
Regarding non-powered payloads:Yes. The mounting bracket is coming up on the Cygnus.Quote from: NASA M22-163On Tuesday, Nov. 15, NASA astronauts Josh Cassada and Frank Rubio will exit the station’s Quest airlock to assemble a mounting bracket on the starboard side of the station’s truss assembly. [...] The bracket and other hardware for the spacewalk is targeted to launch Sunday, Nov. 6, on the agency’s next Northrop Grumman Cygnus commercial resupply mission.
So the EVA is dependent on successful NG-18 docking?
Cygnus NG-18 will arrive at the ISS with just one of its solar arrays deployed. Cygnus has sufficient power to rendezvous.
The Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft has successfully deployed one of its two solar arrays and completed four rendezvous burns on its way to the International Space Station.
To remain focused on the spacecraft's arrival at the station, Northrop Grumman and NASA made the determination not to deploy the second solar array after initial attempts to deploy it were unsuccessful.
The Cygnus team is gathering information on why the second array did not deploy as planned. Cygnus has sufficient power to rendezvous with the space station Wednesday, Nov. 9. Northrop Grumman is working closely with NASA to monitor and assess the spacecraft ahead of tomorrow's planned arrival, capture, and installation at the space station.
Mission teams also are planning additional inspections of the cargo spacecraft during approach and after capture.
Somewhat hypothetical topics for discussion: does the event necessitate a stand-down of Antares/Cygnus as an investigation is conducted? And somewhat specifically for @edkyle99 ;D, if an event during ascent damages a payload, does that make it a launch failure?
If the launch vehicle caused the failure, then there should be no Cygnus stand-down .... if, for example, as supposed above, the upper stage or fairing did not properly separate and something contacted the Cygnus and damaged the solar array, that would clearly be a LV issue.
Anyway, this was the penultimate launch of the Antares 230. The next 3 Cygnus launches after that are all going up on the Falcon 9 and then they roll out the Antares 330 late in 2024. Any needed LV fixes should roll into the 330. If something went horribly wrong with the 230 maybe they'd just option in the Falcon 9 one flight sooner.
However, the payload isn't lost, one solar array aside, it is otherwise functional, and they are evaluating options for getting it to the ISS, so we can't call it outright failure either.
At best it is a potential partial failure and we don't know enough about the failure or its causes to say much more.
Which is also why we haven't had much in the way of updates. They probably don't know enough to make a public statement yet.
Somewhat hypothetical topics for discussion: does the event necessitate a stand-down of Antares/Cygnus as an investigation is conducted? And somewhat specifically for @edkyle99 ;D, if an event during ascent damages a payload, does that make it a launch failure?In this case, the launch vehicle put the payload where it was supposed to go. We don't know enough about the solar panel situation to know if the payload was damaged. Another similar panel had problems opening on another, non-Cygnus mission (Lucy). That panel eventually did open almost fully I believe. It might just be something about the panel design that hasn't been completely sorted out.
Antares/NG-18: Good morning; Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo ship is closing in on the International Space Station; telemetry indicates one of its 2 solar arrays is only partially deployed; controllers are awaiting video from the ISS to confirm its actual state
Antares/NG-18: The Cygnus is now visible from the ISS; while still too far out for any clear detail (600 meters), the spacecraft has a clearly asymmetrical appearance with only one solar array obviously extended
Oh, so the array *is* deployed, it's just the panel hasn't folded out!
Oh, so the array *is* deployed, it's just the panel hasn't folded out!
The @NorthropGrumman #Cygnus space freighter is being powered by one of two solar arrays as it approaches the station today. The second solar array did not fully deploy after Cygnus' launch on Monday.
Antares/NG-18: NASA reports LIDAR 2 aboard Cygnus failed earlier; the LIDARs (light detection and ranging) use lasers to compute the range to ISS; if LIDAR 1 or 3 fails from this point on, an automatic abort will be executed, but both are operating normally
Antares/NG-18: The ISS and Cygnus are in orbital darkness, flying 259 miles above the north Pacific south of Alaska; sunrise expected in about 18 minutes
The first good view of NG-18 Cygnus with one of its arrays undeployed.
LIDAR 2 has also failed, but still has 1 and 3.
NG-18 Cygnus - Capture Complete.
Overview:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/11/ng-18-launch/
After launching on Nov. 7, #Cygnus was captured this morning at 5:20am ET by @AstroDuke and @astro_josh. Controls of the @Space_station’s robotic arm were then transferred to this team in Mission Control Houston, who are installing the spacecraft to the Unity module.
Ground Controllers Install Cygnus on Station
Mark Garcia
Posted on November 9, 2022
Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft installation on the International Space Station is now complete. Cygnus, carrying over 8,200 pounds of cargo and science experiments, launched atop an Antares rocket at 5:32 a.m. EST Monday, Nov. 7 from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. At 5:20 a.m., NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, along with NASA astronaut Josh Cassada as backup, captured Cygnus using the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
Cygnus also is delivering a new mounting bracket that astronauts will attach to the starboard side of the station’s truss assembly during a spacewalk planned for Nov. 15. The mounting bracket will enable the installation of one of the next pair of new solar arrays.
Cygnus will remain at the space station until late January before it departs for a destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Not the same failure mode as the Lucy Megaflex arrays: that was a tangled deployment lanyard partway through gore deployment, but here the Ultraflex array has swung out, but not rotated to final attitude, and the gores remain fully stowed (i.e. issue occurred before lanyard drive would have even started).
We know from the Lucy failure that unfurling of the gores partially completed before the deployment motor stalled (and we know from subsequent analyses that the stalling was due to the deployment tether slipping the hub and wrapping the shaft). We also know from the photos of Cygnus upthread that the gores have not started deployment at all, and that the array is not in the correct angle to begin unfurling: look at the deployed array, the two clasped plates at its 'base' perpendicular to the solar cells are the same orientation that the undeployed array would need to move to before it can begin unfurling the gores (as the orientation motion is perpendicular to those hard plates).Not the same failure mode as the Lucy Megaflex arrays: that was a tangled deployment lanyard partway through gore deployment, but here the Ultraflex array has swung out, but not rotated to final attitude, and the gores remain fully stowed (i.e. issue occurred before lanyard drive would have even started).
Your conclusion is premature. The only thing that has been determined is that there was negligent risk of sudden deploy of the array during approach, capture and berthing. Everything else, including the cause of the failure, is still being looked into.
Your conclusion is premature. The only thing that has been determined is that there was negligent risk of sudden deploy of the array during approach, capture and berthing. Everything else, including the cause of the failure, is still being looked into.
Strange that no one seems interested in the wild attitude change we all saw in the launch animation--something on the order of 140 degrees pointing change. Nothing to see here, move along? :o ;D
In a press release, Northrop Grumman says the Cygnus spacecraft’s solar array deployment failure on NG-18 stemmed from a problem during a stage separation event on launch.
An acoustic blanket from the Antares rocket lodged in one of the Cygnus solar array mechanisms.
"During a rocket stage separation event, debris from an Antares acoustic blanket became lodged in one of the Cygnus solar array mechanisms, preventing it from opening," said Cyrus Dhalla, vice president and general manager, Tactical Space Systems, Northrop Grumman. "Successful berthing was achieved thanks to Cygnus's robust design and the resilience and ingenuity of the NASA and Northrop Grumman teams."
But why did the blanket separate? Was there a deeper anomaly in the stage separation (like the attitude error some have suggested from watching the webcast) ??
Cargo resupply to the @Space_Station? ✅
Check out more photos from the Monday, Nov. 7, @northropgrumman #CRS18 launch carrying the Cygnus spacecraft full of supplies to the station. go.nasa.gov/3G6L3b5
This could lend support to the theory that there may have been recontact between Cygnus and one of the fairings post-separation (due to the attitude excursion). Given that the insides of the fairings are lined with acoustic blankets, they're exactly the sort of thing that could get snagged on a pointy bit of the spacecraft if there were momentary recontact.QuoteIn a press release, Northrop Grumman says the Cygnus spacecraft’s solar array deployment failure on NG-18 stemmed from a problem during a stage separation event on launch.
An acoustic blanket from the Antares rocket lodged in one of the Cygnus solar array mechanisms.Quote"During a rocket stage separation event, debris from an Antares acoustic blanket became lodged in one of the Cygnus solar array mechanisms, preventing it from opening," said Cyrus Dhalla, vice president and general manager, Tactical Space Systems, Northrop Grumman. "Successful berthing was achieved thanks to Cygnus's robust design and the resilience and ingenuity of the NASA and Northrop Grumman teams."
This could lend support to the theory that there may have been recontact between Cygnus and one of the fairings post-separation (due to the attitude excursion). Given that the insides of the fairings are lined with acoustic blankets, they're exactly the sort of thing that could get snagged on a pointy bit of the spacecraft if there were momentary recontact.QuoteIn a press release, Northrop Grumman says the Cygnus spacecraft’s solar array deployment failure on NG-18 stemmed from a problem during a stage separation event on launch.
An acoustic blanket from the Antares rocket lodged in one of the Cygnus solar array mechanisms.Quote"During a rocket stage separation event, debris from an Antares acoustic blanket became lodged in one of the Cygnus solar array mechanisms, preventing it from opening," said Cyrus Dhalla, vice president and general manager, Tactical Space Systems, Northrop Grumman. "Successful berthing was achieved thanks to Cygnus's robust design and the resilience and ingenuity of the NASA and Northrop Grumman teams."
Or the cause/effect could be the other way around: perhaps the pointy end of the folded-up solar array got snagged on the fairing's acoustic blanketing (perhaps during ground handling), and this kept the fairing from separating cleanly (because it would remain physically coupled to the spacecraft until the snagged blanket tore free) - in turn causing the attitude excursion due to the center of mass being thrown off by having a fairing hanging off the spacecraft via a shred of floppy blanket. This feels like the most likely explanation to me, since it could account for the entirety of the weirdness we've seen on this launch with a simple, plausible ground-handling root cause.
Would DEXTRE be able to remove the debris and free the array ??Is there any mission benefit in doing so at this point? Any payloads damaged by the power loss remain damaged. The Cygnus can probably undock and re-enter as is. Array deployment on station may not be risk-free.
They may be doing experiments after undocking that really benefit from the greater power. Cygnus often has post-undocking mission elements.Would DEXTRE be able to remove the debris and free the array ??Is there any mission benefit in doing so at this point? Any payloads damaged by the power loss remain damaged. The Cygnus can probably undock and re-enter as is. Array deployment on station may not be risk-free.
What the arm might be really useful for is a detailed inspection of the entire Cygnus, seeking clues as to what happened & why.
Your conclusion is premature. The only thing that has been determined is that there was negligent risk of sudden deploy of the array during approach, capture and berthing. Everything else, including the cause of the failure, is still being looked into.
You mean, a negligible risk? A negligent risk rather changes the meaning...
Very clear views of the down-pointing S2 ignition followed by along-track reorientation, from ground observers:
https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1590704688475045888
22s is S2 ignition. The 'burn' from the start of the video is not the main engines, but ullage release.Very clear views of the down-pointing S2 ignition followed by along-track reorientation, from ground observers:
https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1590704688475045888
I'm not seeing what you are seeing.
The entire video is one continuous burn. The supposed off-nonimal attitude was at S2 ignition, roughly 45s after MECO.
I don't know what happens at 22s in this video but I don't see how that can be S2 ignition.
Very clear views of the down-pointing S2 ignition followed by along-track reorientation, from ground observers:
https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1590704688475045888
I'm not seeing what you are seeing.
The entire video is one continuous burn. The supposed off-nonimal attitude was at S2 ignition, roughly 45s after MECO.
I don't know what happens at 22s in this video but I don't see how that can be S2 ignition.
22s is S2 ignition. The 'burn' from the start of the video is not the main engines, but ullage release.Very clear views of the down-pointing S2 ignition followed by along-track reorientation, from ground observers:
https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1590704688475045888
I'm not seeing what you are seeing.
The entire video is one continuous burn. The supposed off-nonimal attitude was at S2 ignition, roughly 45s after MECO.
I don't know what happens at 22s in this video but I don't see how that can be S2 ignition.
... trimmed quotes to save scrolling.
I see it. The second stage has already separated by the start of the video. We're probably seeing some of the residual exhaust coming out of the first stage in the video, giving the illusion that it's still burning (red). The second stage (green) is pointed way offset from the velocity vector.
Antares stage 1 is Kerolox.22s is S2 ignition. The 'burn' from the start of the video is not the main engines, but ullage release.Very clear views of the down-pointing S2 ignition followed by along-track reorientation, from ground observers:
https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1590704688475045888
I'm not seeing what you are seeing.
The entire video is one continuous burn. The supposed off-nonimal attitude was at S2 ignition, roughly 45s after MECO.
I don't know what happens at 22s in this video but I don't see how that can be S2 ignition.
ullage release on a solid rocket motor?
... trimmed quotes to save scrolling.
I see it. The second stage has already separated by the start of the video. We're probably seeing some of the residual exhaust coming out of the first stage in the video, giving the illusion that it's still burning (red). The second stage (green) is pointed way offset from the velocity vector.
Exhaust would not be illuminated if the engine is off.
... trimmed quotes to save scrolling.
I see it. The second stage has already separated by the start of the video. We're probably seeing some of the residual exhaust coming out of the first stage in the video, giving the illusion that it's still burning (red). The second stage (green) is pointed way offset from the velocity vector.
Exhaust would not be illuminated if the engine is off.
Antares stage 1 is Kerolox.22s is S2 ignition. The 'burn' from the start of the video is not the main engines, but ullage release.
... trimmed
I'm not seeing what you are seeing.
The entire video is one continuous burn. The supposed off-nonimal attitude was at S2 ignition, roughly 45s after MECO.
I don't know what happens at 22s in this video but I don't see how that can be S2 ignition.
ullage release on a solid rocket motor?
Update: Per Northrop Grumman, this is debris from an "acoustic blanket". Possible that it came from inside the fairing, where it would have been used to shield Cygnus from noise & vibrations during launch. Probably got snagged on the array when the fairing separated.
Here's a look inside the Antares fairing that protects Cygnus during launch, complete with mylar blankets. This could be the material that became jammed in the array. Image credit: @ken_kremer
Crewmembers observed the J-SSOD-23 deployed satellites. J-SSOD-23 CubeSat deployment mission launched to the ISS aboard the NG-18 Cargo Vehicle. The CubeSats planned deployables are: PearlAfricaSat-1 (1U), Science, Technology, and Innovation Office of the President (Uganda); TAKA (2U) Kyushu Institute of Technology (Japan); ZIMSAT-1 (1U), Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) (Zimbabwe); SpaceTuna1 (1U), Service provider: Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Inc. (Japan).
https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2022/12/02/iss-daily-summary-report-12-02-2022/
.@NorthropGrumman's Cygnus space freighter leaves the station at 7:20am ET on Friday live on @NASA TV. It delivered 8,200 pounds of cargo on Nov. 9, 2022. More... https://go.nasa.gov/3NbEaJl
Watch as @NorthropGrummans S.S. Sally Ride undocks from the @Space_Station 250 miles over the Mediterranean.
Robotic Arm Releases Cygnus Space Freighter from Station
At 7:22 a.m. EDT, Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft was released from the Canadarm2 robotic arm which earlier detached Cygnus from the Earth-facing port of the International Space Station’s Unity module. At the time of release, the station was flying southwest of Ireland.
The Cygnus spacecraft successfully departed the space station more than five months after arriving at the microgravity laboratory to deliver about 8,200 pounds of supplies, scientific investigations, commercial products, hardware, and other cargo for NASA.
Following a deorbit engine firing later Friday evening, Cygnus will begin a planned destructive re-entry, in which the spacecraft – filled with trash packed by the station crew – will safely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Cygnus arrived at the space station Nov. 10, following a launch on Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia. It was the company’s 18th commercial resupply services mission to the space station for NASA. Northrop Grumman named the spacecraft “S.S. Sally Ride” after late NASA astronaut, physicist, and first American woman to fly in space, Sally Ride, launched on an Antares rocket from the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0A at Wallops.
Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on Twitter, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
Get weekly video highlights at: https://roundupreads.jsc.nasa.gov/videupdate/
Get the latest from NASA delivered every week. Subscribe here: www.nasa.gov/subscribe
Author Mark Garcia
Posted on April 21, 2023
Categories Expedition 69
Tags Canadarm2, Canadian Space Agency, cygnus, European Space Agency, International Space Station, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Roscosmos
The Cygnus space freighter is pictured moments after being released from the grip of the Canadarm2 robotic completing its stay at the space station. Credit: NASA TV
Acoustic blanket material from inside the fairing, probably due to Cygnus snagging the fairing during separation because the whole vehicle was in motion, possibly rotating, at the time of separation, for reasons still unexplained. Thruster firings around this time might also be an explanation.
- Ed Kyle
Acoustic blanket material from inside the fairing, probably due to Cygnus snagging the fairing during separation because the whole vehicle was in motion, possibly rotating, at the time of separation, for reasons still unexplained. Thruster firings around this time might also be an explanation.
- Ed Kyle
Has NG ever explained?