# Cygnus NG-12

> cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q65086039](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65086039)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-12)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-ng-12

## Summary
Cygnus NG-12 was a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) launched by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems in November 2019. It was the twelfth flight of the Cygnus Enhanced spacecraft and part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program. The mission delivered supplies to the ISS and was named after astronaut Alan Bean.

## Key Facts
- **Mission Type**: Cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
- **Operator**: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems
- **Launch Date**: November 2, 2019, at 13:59:47 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Antares (flight number 11)
- **Launch Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0
- **Docking Port**: Unity module (nadir port)
- **Berthing Date**: November 4, 2019, at 11:21 UTC
- **Unberthing Date**: January 31, 2020, at 11:15 UTC
- **Atmospheric Entry**: March 17, 2020, at 23:16:56 UTC
- **Named After**: Astronaut Alan Bean
- **Manufacturer**: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (general contractor), Thales Alenia Space (subcontractor)
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Cygnus NG-12 mission?
A: The Cygnus NG-12 mission delivered supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program.

### Q: Who operated the Cygnus NG-12 mission?
A: The mission was operated by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, which also manufactured the Cygnus spacecraft.

### Q: When did the Cygnus NG-12 spacecraft re-enter the Earth's atmosphere?
A: The spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere on March 17, 2020, at 23:16:56 UTC.

### Q: What was unique about the Cygnus NG-12 mission?
A: The mission was named after astronaut Alan Bean, who was part of the Apollo 12 mission. It was also the twelfth flight of the Cygnus Enhanced spacecraft.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for the Cygnus NG-12 mission?
A: The mission was launched using the Antares rocket, specifically flight number 11.

## Why It Matters
Cygnus NG-12 played a crucial role in maintaining the International Space Station (ISS) by delivering essential supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments. As part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, the mission ensured the continued operation of the ISS and supported ongoing research and maintenance activities aboard the station. The successful execution of the mission highlighted the reliability and efficiency of Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft and the Antares launch vehicle. Additionally, the mission's naming after astronaut Alan Bean added a personal touch, honoring a key figure in space exploration history. The Cygnus NG-12 mission contributed to the broader goals of space exploration, scientific research, and international collaboration in space.

## Notable For
- **Named After Astronaut Alan Bean**: The mission was named in honor of astronaut Alan Bean, who was part of the Apollo 12 mission.
- **Part of Commercial Resupply Services**: Cygnus NG-12 was the twelfth flight of the Cygnus Enhanced spacecraft under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program.
- **Successful Docking and Berthing**: The spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on November 4, 2019, and remained berthed until January 31, 2020.
- **Contribution to ISS Operations**: The mission delivered critical supplies and equipment to support ongoing research and maintenance aboard the ISS.
- **Reliable Launch and Re-entry**: The mission utilized the Antares rocket for launch and successfully re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on March 17, 2020.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cygnus NG-12 was a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) launched by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. The mission was part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program and marked the twelfth flight of the Cygnus Enhanced spacecraft. The mission was named after astronaut Alan Bean, who was part of the Apollo 12 mission.

### Launch Details
The Cygnus NG-12 spacecraft was launched on November 2, 2019, at 13:59:47 UTC from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0. The launch vehicle used was the Antares rocket, specifically flight number 11. The spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on November 4, 2019, at 11:21 UTC, berthing at the Unity module's nadir port.

### Mission Objectives
The primary objective of the Cygnus NG-12 mission was to deliver supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS. The mission supported ongoing research and maintenance activities aboard the station. The spacecraft remained berthed at the ISS until January 31, 2020, when it was unberthed at 11:15 UTC.

### Re-entry and Disposal
After completing its mission, the Cygnus NG-12 spacecraft re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on March 17, 2020, at 23:16:56 UTC. The spacecraft was designed to burn up upon re-entry, ensuring the safe disposal of any remaining materials.

### Significance
Cygnus NG-12 was significant for its role in maintaining the ISS and supporting scientific research in space. The mission highlighted the reliability and efficiency of Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft and the Antares launch vehicle. The naming of the mission after astronaut Alan Bean added a personal touch, honoring a key figure in space exploration history.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.777.txt)
3. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.771.txt)
4. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.775.txt)