NASA’s Cygnus XL Launches to ISS

In a significant advancement for space exploration, NASA successfully launched the Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 23 mission (CRS-23) to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The mission features the new Cygnus XL spacecraft, which took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 6:11 p.m. EDT. This mission marks the first flight of the larger Cygnus XL model, designed to carry more cargo than its predecessors.

Carrying over 11,000 pounds of scientific materials and crew supplies, the Cygnus XL is set to support ongoing research and technological demonstrations aboard the ISS. The cargo includes materials for semiconductor crystal production and innovations in cryogenic fuel tanks, as well as a specialized UV light system to curb microbial growth in water systems. Among the scientific payloads are supplies for pharmaceutical crystal development aimed at treating cancer and other diseases.

Scheduled for capture by the Canadarm2 robotic arm at 6:35 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, the Cygnus XL will be operated by NASA astronauts Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman. Once secured, the spacecraft will be attached to the Unity module’s Earth-facing port, where its contents will be unloaded and utilized as part of Expedition 73’s experiments. The spacecraft, named the S.S. William “Willie” C. McCool in honor of the late NASA astronaut, is expected to remain docked at the ISS until March 2026.

This mission underscores NASA’s commitment to maintaining a continuous U.S. presence in space, fostering scientific discovery and technological innovation. As a springboard for future exploration endeavors, the ISS continues to play a pivotal role in developing a low Earth orbit economy, paving the way for future missions to the Moon and Mars as part of NASA’s Artemis program.