# Cygnus CRS Orb-1

> second cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q5013945](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5013945)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_Orb-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-crs-orb-1

## Summary  
Cygnus CRS Orb‑1 was the second Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) cargo mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on 9 January 2014 aboard an Antares rocket from the Mid‑Atlantic Regional Spaceport, the uncrewed Cygnus spacecraft delivered 1 261 kg of supplies, remained in low‑Earth orbit for about 41 days, and was de‑orbited on 19 February 2014.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 9 January 2014 (UTC)【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Antares rocket, provided by Northrop Grumman【source】  
- **Launch site:** Mid‑Atlantic Regional Spaceport, Launch Pad 0【source】  
- **Payload mass:** 1 261 kg (cargo)【source】  
- **Mission duration:** 3 543 120 seconds (~41 days)【source】  
- **Orbit:** Low‑Earth orbit; periapsis 406 km, apoapsis 415 km, inclination 51.6°【source】  
- **Docking period:** Berthing with the ISS from 12 January to 18 February 2014 (≈31 days)【source】  
- **End of mission:** Atmospheric re‑entry and destruction by orbital decay on 19 February 2014【source】  
- **Program:** Part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services, operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now Northrop Grumman)【source】  
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2014‑003A; Wikidata Q‑ID for Cygnus CRS Orb‑1【source】

## FAQs  
### Q: When did Cygnus CRS Orb‑1 launch?  
A: It launched on 9 January 2014 from the Mid‑Atlantic Regional Spaceport using an Antares rocket.  

### Q: What cargo did the mission carry?  
A: The spacecraft delivered 1 261 kg of pressurized and unpressurized supplies to the ISS, supporting crew operations and scientific research.  

### Q: How long did Cygnus CRS Orb‑1 stay attached to the ISS?  
A: It was berthed to the ISS from 12 January until 18 February 2014, a total of roughly 31 days.  

### Q: How did the mission end?  
A: After completing its cargo delivery, Cygnus performed a controlled de‑orbit and re‑entered Earth’s atmosphere on 19 February 2014, where it burned up.  

### Q: Which program does this mission belong to?  
A: It is part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now Northrop Grumman).  

## Why It Matters  
Cygnus CRS Orb‑1 demonstrated the viability of commercial partnerships for routine ISS logistics, marking a pivotal step in NASA’s shift from government‑run to privately‑provided cargo services. By successfully launching on the Antares vehicle, delivering a substantial payload, and completing a full dock‑stay cycle, the mission validated the end‑to‑end capabilities of the Cygnus spacecraft and its launch system. This reliability helped secure continued funding for subsequent CRS missions, reduced costs for ISS operations, and paved the way for a broader commercial presence in low‑Earth orbit. The mission’s seamless integration with ISS operations also contributed to scientific research, crew health, and station maintenance, underscoring the strategic importance of dependable cargo delivery for long‑duration human spaceflight.  

## Notable For  
- First **second‑flight** of the Cygnus cargo spacecraft under the CRS contract.  
- Successful **Antares‑based launch**, confirming the rocket’s readiness for regular cargo missions.  
- Delivered a **payload of 1 261 kg**, one of the larger early CRS cargo masses.  
- Executed a **31‑day berthing** period, providing extended support to ISS activities.  
- Completed a **controlled re‑entry**, showcasing end‑of‑mission disposal procedures for uncrewed cargo vehicles.  

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
Cygnus CRS Orb‑1 was the second uncrewed cargo flight in NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services program. Operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation (later Northrop Grumman), the mission’s primary objective was to transport supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the International Space Station.

### Launch Details  
- **Vehicle:** Antares 120 (Northrop Grumman)  
- **Date & Time:** 9 January 2014, 21:00 UTC (approx.)  
- **Site:** Mid‑Atlantic Regional Spaceport, Launch Pad 0, Virginia, USA  
- **Contractor:** Orbital Sciences Corporation handled launch integration and mission operations.  

### Orbital Characteristics  
- **Orbit Type:** Low‑Earth orbit (LEO)  
- **Periapsis:** 406 km  
- **Apoapsis:** 415 km  
- **Inclination:** 51.6°  
- **Orbital Period:** 92.77 minutes  

### Docking and Operations  
- **Berthing Port:** Harmony module (Node 2) on the ISS, nadir side.  
- **Docking Window:** 12 January 2014 – 18 February 2014 (≈3 187 200 seconds).  
- **Activities:** Transfer of food, clothing, spare parts, and scientific payloads; waste loading for disposal.  

### End of Mission  
- **De‑orbit Burn:** Conducted on 19 February 2014.  
- **Cause of Destruction:** Atmospheric re‑entry and orbital decay, resulting in complete burn‑up.  

### Legacy  
Cygnus CRS Orb‑1 reinforced the commercial cargo model, establishing confidence in both the Cygnus spacecraft and Antares launch system for future resupply missions. Its success contributed directly to the continuation and expansion of CRS contracts, influencing the design of subsequent Cygnus variants and the broader commercial space logistics ecosystem.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report