# Cygnus NG-18

> cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q106610293](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106610293)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-18)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-ng-18

## Summary
Cygnus NG-18 was the 18th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract, launched by Northrop Grumman on November 7, 2022. This uncrewed spacecraft delivered approximately 3,749 kilograms of scientific experiments, supplies, and equipment to the orbiting laboratory before departing and burning up in Earth's atmosphere on April 22, 2023.

## Key Facts
- Cygnus NG-18 was launched on November 7, 2022 at 10:32:42 UTC from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0A
- The spacecraft delivered 3,749 kilograms of payload to the International Space Station
- The mission was part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program
- It was operated by Northrop Grumman Space Systems with Thales Alenia Space as a subcontractor
- Cygnus NG-18 followed Cygnus NG-17 and was succeeded by Cygnus NG-19
- The spacecraft docked with the International Space Station on November 9, 2022 and departed on April 21, 2023
- Cygnus NG-18 is classified as a Cygnus Enhanced class spacecraft
- The mission's official name included "Sally Ride" as the spacecraft name
- The spacecraft's COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 2022-149A
- The country of origin includes both the United States and Italy

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Cygnus NG-18?
A: Cygnus NG-18 was a cargo resupply mission to deliver scientific experiments, equipment, and supplies to the International Space Station. This mission supported ongoing research and daily operations for the crew aboard the orbiting laboratory.

### Q: When did Cygnus NG-18 operate in space?
A: Cygnus NG-18 was launched on November 7, 2022 and berthed with the International Space Station on November 9, 2022. The spacecraft remained docked until April 21, 2023, before performing a controlled atmospheric entry on April 22, 2023.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated the Cygnus NG-18 spacecraft?
A: Cygnus NG-18 was manufactured by Northrop Grumman Space Systems as the general contractor, with Thales Alenia Space serving as a subcontractor. The mission was operated by Northrop Grumman under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.

### Q: What made Cygnus NG-18 unique among similar missions?
A: Cygnus NG-18 was named after astronaut Sally Ride, continuing the tradition of naming Cygnus spacecraft after notable individuals who have contributed to human spaceflight. The mission delivered approximately 3,749 kilograms of payload, including scientific experiments and supplies vital for station operations.

## Why It Matters
Cygnus NG-18 represents a crucial component of NASA's commercial space transportation strategy, sustaining continuous research capabilities on the International Space Station. The mission delivered vital scientific experiments and supplies that support hundreds of ongoing investigations across various fields, from biological sciences to materials development in microgravity. As part of the Commercial Resupply Services program, this mission exemplifies the successful public-private partnership model that has reduced costs and increased access to space while maintaining American presence in low Earth orbit. The reliability demonstrated by missions like NG-18 has been essential for maintaining the station's operational continuity despite complex scheduling challenges.

## Notable For
- Named after astronaut Sally Ride, continuing the tradition of honoring influential figures in space exploration
- Delivered a payload of 3,749 kilograms of scientific experiments and supplies to the International Space Station
- Operated by Northrop Grumman with international collaboration including Italian firm Thales Alenia Space as a subcontractor
- Featured an extended mission duration, remaining docked to the International Space Station for approximately 5 months
- Part of the Commercial Resupply Services program, demonstrating the success of NASA's commercial partnership model for cargo transportation

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cygnus NG-18 was the 18th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract. The mission was launched by Northrop Grumman on November 7, 2022 at 10:32:42 UTC from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0A. It utilized an Antares 230 rocket as its launch vehicle, marking the 17th flight of this rocket configuration. The spacecraft officially designated as NG-18 was also known by several aliases including Antares NG-18, NG-18, CRS OA-18, OA-18, S.S. Sally Ride, and Cygnus PCM-18.

### Spacecraft Specifications
Cygnus NG-18 belongs to the Cygnus Enhanced class of spacecraft, a model developed by Orbital Sciences (now part of Northrop Grumman). The spacecraft was manufactured with Northrop Grumman Space Systems serving as the general contractor and Thales Alenia Space as a subcontractor. The payload delivered to the International Space Station weighed 3,749 kilograms. The spacecraft was assigned COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID 2022-149A, confirming its status as a registered space object.

### Mission Timeline
Cygnus NG-18 berthed with the International Space Station on November 9, 2022 at 13:03 UTC, docking to the nadir port of the Unity module. The spacecraft remained docked for approximately 5 months before unberthing on April 21, 2023 at 08:40 UTC. Following departure, the spacecraft performed a controlled atmospheric entry on April 22, 2023 at 01:42 UTC, with the vehicle burning up over the Pacific Ocean. The mission had a total duration of approximately 5 months and 15 days from launch to atmospheric entry.

### Scientific Contributions
Cygnus NG-18 transported numerous scientific experiments and research payloads to the International Space Station. These investigations covered various disciplines including biology, materials science, physics, and Earth observation. The mission supported NASA's goal of conducting research in microgravity that benefits life on Earth and advances human space exploration capabilities. The spacecraft also delivered essential supplies, equipment, and necessary provisions for the crew living and working aboard the orbiting laboratory.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Cygnus NG-18",
  "description": "Cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station",
  "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/content/overview-for-northrop-grummans-18th-commercial-resupply-mission",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109408106",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-18"
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  "additionalType": "Space mission",
  "countryOfOrigin": "United States",
  "manufacturer": "Northrop Grumman Space Systems",
  "payloadWeight": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "3749",
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  },
  "launchDate": "2022-11-07",
  "landingDate": "2023-04-22",
  "orbitOfObject": "Low Earth orbit",
  "satellite": {
    "@type": "SpaceStation",
    "name": "International Space Station"
  }
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/nasa-commercial-resupply-mission-ng-18/)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.819.txt)
4. [Source](https://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.812.txt)
5. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/content/overview-for-northrop-grummans-18th-commercial-resupply-mission)