# Cygnus NG-20

> cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q122576200](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122576200)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-20)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-ng-20

## Summary
Cygnus NG-20 was a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) launched on January 30, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. Operated by Northrop Grumman Space Systems, it delivered 3,726 kilograms of scientific experiments, supplies, and equipment to the ISS as part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program. The spacecraft, named *S.S. Patricia "Patty" Hilliard Robertson* in honor of a NASA engineer, remained docked to the station until July 2024.

## Key Facts
- **Mission Type**: 20th Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply mission to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract.
- **Launch Date**: January 30, 2024, at 17:07:21 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (booster B1077.10).
- **Spacecraft Model**: Cygnus Enhanced, manufactured by Northrop Grumman (prime contractor) and Thales Alenia Space (subcontractor).
- **Payload Mass**: 3,726 kilograms of cargo, including scientific experiments and station supplies.
- **Berthing/Unberthing**: Docked to the ISS on February 1, 2024, and undocked on July 12, 2024.
- **Decay Date**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 13, 2024, over the Pacific Ocean.
- **Namesake**: Named after Patricia Robertson, a NASA engineer who contributed to human spaceflight safety.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Cygnus NG-20 mission?
A: Cygnus NG-20 delivered critical supplies, scientific experiments, and equipment to the International Space Station to support ongoing research and crew operations.

### Q: When did Cygnus NG-20 launch and return to Earth?
A: The mission launched on January 30, 2024, and concluded with atmospheric re-entry on July 13, 2024.

### Q: Why was the spacecraft named *S.S. Patricia Robertson*?
A: The name honors Patricia "Patty" Hilliard Robertson, a NASA aerospace engineer who advanced spaceflight safety systems.

## Why It Matters
Cygnus NG-20 played a vital role in sustaining operations aboard the ISS, ensuring the continuation of scientific research and technological development in microgravity. As part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program, this mission demonstrated the reliability of public-private partnerships in space logistics. The flight also highlighted the capabilities of the Cygnus Enhanced spacecraft and the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, reinforcing the U.S. commercial space industry's capacity to support long-term space exploration. By delivering fresh experiments and replacing consumables, NG-20 directly contributed to advancing knowledge in fields like biology, physics, and Earth science, while maintaining the station's operational readiness.

## Notable For
- **Heavy Payload**: Carried one of the largest Cygnus payloads to date (3,726 kg).
- **Falcon 9 Reusability**: Utilized a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster (B1077) on its 10th flight, showcasing rocket reusability.
- **Honoring a NASA Pioneer**: The first Cygnus mission named for Patricia Robertson, recognizing her contributions to crew safety.
- **Extended Stay**: Spent over five months at the ISS, supporting prolonged scientific activities.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cygnus NG-20 was the 20th operational cargo resupply mission to the ISS conducted by Northrop Grumman under NASA's CRS-2 contract. It launched on January 30, 2024, at 17:07:21 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (flight number 295). The spacecraft, designated *S.S. Patricia "Patty" Hilliard Robertson*, was named in tribute to a NASA engineer who developed critical safety protocols for crewed missions.

### Spacecraft Specifications
- **Model**: Cygnus Enhanced (PCM-20).
- **Manufacturers**: Northrop Grumman Space Systems (prime), Thales Alenia Space (subcontractor).
- **Payload Capacity**: 3,726 kg (8,215 lbs) of pressurized cargo.
- **Dimensions**: Standard Cygnus Enhanced configuration (4.87 m × 3.07 m).

### Key Events
- **Berthing**: Attached to the ISS's Unity module nadir port on February 1, 2024, at 12:14 UTC.
- **Unberthing**: Departed the ISS on July 12, 2024, at 08:00 UTC.
- **Re-entry**: Disintegrated over the Pacific Ocean on July 13, 2024, at approximately 16:27 UTC.

### Cargo Highlights
The mission delivered supplies for over 250 science investigations, including studies on protein crystal growth, combustion dynamics, and Earth observation. It also transported hardware for station upgrades and crew provisions.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SpaceMission",
  "name": "Cygnus NG-20",
  "description": "Cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station",
  "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/overview-for-nasas-northrop-grumman-20th-commercial-resupply-mission/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127252411",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-20"
  ],
  "launchDate": "2024-01-30",
  "operator": "Northrop Grumman Space Systems",
  "launchVehicle": "Falcon 9 Block 5",
  "payload": "3726 kg",
  "destination": "International Space Station",
  "namedAfter": "Patricia Robertson"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/nasa-commercial-resupply-mission-ng-20)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.835.txt)
4. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.829.txt)
5. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/overview-for-nasas-northrop-grumman-20th-commercial-resupply-mission/)