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NASA Cancels NG-22 Cygnus Mission After Spacecraft Damage

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft takes on additional ISS resupply duties as NASA evaluates repair options for the damaged Cygnus module.

© NASA
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Cygnus
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Overview

  • NASA has officially canceled the NG-22 Cygnus mission due to damage sustained by the spacecraft's Pressurized Cargo Module during transit to Kennedy Space Center.
  • SpaceX's upcoming Dragon mission in April will prioritize critical consumables and food supplies over scientific payloads to sustain the ISS crew.
  • The next Cygnus mission, NG-23, is scheduled no earlier than fall 2025, potentially using a different vehicle as NASA and Northrop Grumman assess repair feasibility for the damaged module.
  • The incident underscores the logistical challenges of ISS resupply, as Cygnus also serves as a key waste disposal system for the station.
  • NASA is exploring alternative resupply options, including Boeing's Starliner and Sierra Space's Dream Chaser, though neither vehicle is currently operational.