Cygnus brings supplies, experiments, and new capabilities to the ISS

Northrop Grumman
February 25, 2022
Jared Haworth
Northrop Grumman's Antares 230+ rocket launches from Virginia's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station on February 19, 2022. Photo credit: Jared Haworth / We Report Space
Northrop Grumman's Antares 230+ rocket launches from Virginia's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station on February 19, 2022. Photo credit: Jared Haworth / We Report Space

WALLOPS ISLAND, VA -- On Saturday, February 19, 2022, Northrop Grumman's Antares 230+ rocket lifted off from Launchpad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, en route to the International Space Station, carrying fresh supplies and additional science experiments and investigations to be performed on board.  Cygnus was successfully installed on station on Monday, February 21.

Antares launches against bright blue February skies. Photo Credit: Jared Haworth / We Report Space

Two of the experiments carried to orbit focus on human biology:

  • MicroQuin 3D Tumor are looking to develop new insight into cell proteins targeted by cancer drugs, specifically those treating prostate and breast cancer cells.
  • Colgate and Palmolive are sponsoring a study in skin aging, using engineered human skin cells, to test a hypothesis about an accelerated aging-like response of those cells in microgravity. The results of this study could lead to future ability to test products aimed at protecting skin from the aging process.
Additionally, there are experiments focused on battery technology in vacuum environments, as well as hydrogen sensors which could become a part of the station's oxygen generation system.

Twin RD-181 engines power Antares's first stage booster, propelling Cygnus to orbit. Photo Credit: Jared Haworth / We Report Space

Also being debuted on this mission, Cygnus will demonstrate new capabilities to reboost the International Space Station, a feature not provided by US-launched spacecraft since the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.  

Cygnus is expected to remain installed on station until May, after which point it will be used for refuse disposal and ultimately burn up on re-entry to Earth's atmosphere.

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Antares 230+ / Cygnus NG-17

February 25, 2022
Jared Haworth
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