Ready for Launch

Cygnus Spacecraft Ready for Launch to the International Space Station

The Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft sits on top of an Atlas V rocket ready for launch to the International Space Station. The mission is set to lift off on Tuesday, March 22, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 30 minute launch window opens at 11:05 p.m. EDT. Today’s L-1 forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. NASA TV coverage of the event begins at 10 p.m.

A new 3D printer and research projects examining everything from adhesive technologies to the behavior of large fires in space are packed inside an Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft for launch.

Launching atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the Cygnus, which carries no crew, will steer itself to the station during the course of three days. Astronauts and ground controllers will use the station's robotic arm to grapple Cygnus and connect it to the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module. Cygnus will stay connected to the Earth-facing laboratory for about two months before being released to burn up in Earth's atmosphere.