# Cygnus CRS Orb-2

> third cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q5199206](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5199206)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_Orb-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-crs-orb-2

## Summary
Cygnus CRS Orb-2 was the third cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launched on July 13, 2014, as part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program. Operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), it delivered supplies and payloads to the ISS using the Cygnus spacecraft, named *S.S. Janice Voss* in honor of astronaut Janice E. Voss.

## Key Facts
- **Mission Type**: Third cargo resupply mission to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services.
- **Launch Date**: July 13, 2014, from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0.
- **Spacecraft**: Cygnus (named *S.S. Janice Voss*), launched aboard an Antares rocket.
- **Payload Mass**: 1,494 kg of cargo delivered to the ISS.
- **Duration**: 35 days in orbit (3,011,340 seconds) before atmospheric re-entry on August 17, 2014.
- **Operator**: Orbital Sciences Corporation (now part of Northrop Grumman).
- **Orbital Parameters**:
  - Apoapsis: 418 km
  - Periapsis: 410 km
  - Inclination: 51.64 degrees
  - Orbital Period: 92.85 minutes
- **Docking**: Berthed at the *Harmony* module's nadir port from July 16 to August 15, 2014.
- **Named After**: Astronaut Janice E. Voss, a five-time Space Shuttle veteran.
- **Cause of Destruction**: Orbital decay, leading to atmospheric entry on August 17, 2014.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cygnus CRS Orb-2?
A: Cygnus CRS Orb-2 was a cargo resupply mission to deliver essential supplies, scientific experiments, and equipment to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.

### Q: Who operated the Cygnus CRS Orb-2 mission?
A: The mission was operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), using their Cygnus spacecraft and Antares launch vehicle.

### Q: How long did Cygnus CRS Orb-2 stay in space?
A: The mission lasted 35 days, from its launch on July 13, 2014, until its atmospheric re-entry on August 17, 2014. It was docked to the ISS for 30 days (July 16–August 15).

### Q: Why was the spacecraft named *S.S. Janice Voss*?
A: The Cygnus spacecraft was named in honor of astronaut Janice E. Voss, who flew five Space Shuttle missions and contributed significantly to space science and engineering.

### Q: What happened to Cygnus CRS Orb-2 after its mission?
A: After undocking from the ISS, the spacecraft underwent orbital decay and burned up during atmospheric re-entry on August 17, 2014, as planned.

## Why It Matters
Cygnus CRS Orb-2 played a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness of the International Space Station by delivering vital supplies and scientific payloads. As part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program, it demonstrated the viability of private-sector partnerships in space logistics, reducing reliance on government-operated missions. The success of Orb-2 helped validate Orbital Sciences Corporation's (now Northrop Grumman) capabilities in uncrewed cargo delivery, paving the way for future commercial spaceflight collaborations. Additionally, the mission honored the legacy of astronaut Janice E. Voss, highlighting the contributions of women in space exploration. By ensuring a steady flow of resources to the ISS, missions like Orb-2 enable continuous scientific research in microgravity, advancing our understanding of space and its applications on Earth.

## Notable For
- **Third Cygnus Mission**: The third operational cargo resupply mission to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.
- **Named After a Pioneer**: The spacecraft *S.S. Janice Voss* was named in tribute to astronaut Janice E. Voss, one of the few women to fly five Space Shuttle missions.
- **Precision Docking**: Successfully berthed at the *Harmony* module's nadir port, demonstrating Orbital Sciences' docking capabilities.
- **Short but Critical Mission**: Completed its resupply objectives in just over a month, showcasing efficient mission planning and execution.
- **Contribution to ISS Sustainability**: Delivered 1,494 kg of cargo, including scientific experiments and crew supplies, essential for ongoing ISS operations.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cygnus CRS Orb-2 (also known as Orb-2 or CRS-2) was the third operational cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) conducted by Orbital Sciences Corporation under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract. The mission aimed to transport supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS crew.

### Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle
- **Spacecraft**: Cygnus (variant: *S.S. Janice Voss*), an uncrewed cargo vessel designed for ISS resupply.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Antares rocket, developed and operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
- **Launch Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Launch Pad 0, Wallops Island, Virginia, USA.
- **Launch Date**: July 13, 2014, at 16:52 UTC.

### Payload and Cargo
- **Total Payload Mass**: 1,494 kg (3,294 lbs), including:
  - Crew supplies (food, clothing, and other essentials).
  - Scientific experiments and research materials.
  - Hardware and spare parts for ISS maintenance.

### Orbital Parameters
- **Apoapsis**: 418 km (259.7 mi)
- **Periapsis**: 410 km (254.8 mi)
- **Orbital Inclination**: 51.64 degrees
- **Orbital Period**: 92.85 minutes

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch**: July 13, 2014.
- **Docking**: July 16, 2014, at the *Harmony* module's nadir port using the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
- **Berthing Duration**: July 16–August 15, 2014 (30 days).
- **Undocking**: August 15, 2014.
- **Re-entry**: August 17, 2014, due to orbital decay.

### Significant Events
- **Rocket Launch**: Successfully lifted off from MARS Launch Pad 0 on July 13, 2014.
- **Docking and Berthing**: Captured by the ISS robotic arm and berthed at *Harmony* on July 16, 2014.
- **Cargo Transfer**: Crew unloaded supplies and loaded disposal items for re-entry.
- **Atmospheric Entry**: Destroyed upon re-entry on August 17, 2014, as planned.

### Legacy and Impact
- **Commercial Spaceflight**: Demonstrated the reliability of private companies in ISS resupply missions.
- **Honoring Janice Voss**: The spacecraft name paid tribute to a trailblazing astronaut, inspiring future generations.
- **ISS Sustainability**: Ensured continuous support for ISS operations and scientific research.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report