# Cygnus NG-23

> 2025 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q124544457](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124544457)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-23)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-ng-23

## Summary
Cygnus NG-23 is a 2025 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Northrop Grumman Space Systems. It is part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program and will deliver supplies and scientific equipment to the ISS using a Cygnus XL spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Mission Name**: Cygnus NG-23 (also known as Antares NG-23, NG-23, CRS OA-23, OA-23, Cygnus PCM-23, S.S. William "Willie" C. McCool, or S.S. William C. McCool)
- **Launch Date**: September 14, 2025, at 22:11:49 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1094.4)
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Spacecraft**: Cygnus XL, manufactured by Northrop Grumman Space Systems and Thales Alenia Space
- **Payload Mass**: 4,911 kg of cargo
- **Berthing Date**: September 18, 2025, at the ISS's Unity module (nadir port)
- **Named After**: Astronaut William C. McCool, who perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
- **Operator**: Northrop Grumman Space Systems
- **Country of Origin**: United States and Italy

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Cygnus NG-23?
A: Cygnus NG-23 is a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, delivering essential supplies, scientific equipment, and other materials to support the crew and ongoing research.

### Q: When is Cygnus NG-23 scheduled to launch?
A: The mission is scheduled to launch on September 14, 2025, at 22:11:49 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: What rocket will launch Cygnus NG-23?
A: The mission will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, specifically using booster B1094 on its fourth flight.

### Q: Who operates Cygnus NG-23?
A: The mission is operated by Northrop Grumman Space Systems as part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program.

### Q: What is the significance of the mission's name?
A: The spacecraft is named after astronaut William C. McCool, honoring his legacy and contributions to space exploration.

## Why It Matters
Cygnus NG-23 plays a crucial role in maintaining the operational capabilities of the International Space Station. As a cargo resupply mission, it ensures that the ISS crew has the necessary supplies, equipment, and scientific materials to continue their research and daily activities. This mission is part of a broader effort to sustain human presence in low Earth orbit, facilitating scientific discoveries and technological advancements that benefit life on Earth. Additionally, the mission highlights the collaboration between commercial entities like Northrop Grumman and SpaceX with government agencies like NASA, showcasing the growing role of private companies in space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First Cygnus Mission on Falcon 9**: This is the first Cygnus mission to be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant shift from the previous Antares launch vehicle.
- **High Payload Capacity**: The Cygnus XL spacecraft can carry up to 10,200 kg of cargo, making it one of the most capable uncrewed cargo spacecraft.
- **Honoring a Fallen Astronaut**: The mission is named after William C. McCool, paying tribute to his legacy and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of space exploration.
- **International Collaboration**: The spacecraft is manufactured by both Northrop Grumman Space Systems (United States) and Thales Alenia Space (Italy), showcasing international cooperation in space technology.
- **Part of Commercial Resupply Services**: Cygnus NG-23 is part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program, which relies on commercial partners to deliver cargo to the ISS.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cygnus NG-23 is a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) scheduled for launch on September 14, 2025. The mission is operated by Northrop Grumman Space Systems and is part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program. The spacecraft, a Cygnus XL model, will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle
The Cygnus XL spacecraft is designed to carry a significant amount of cargo to the ISS. For this mission, it will transport approximately 4,911 kg of supplies and scientific equipment. The spacecraft is manufactured by Northrop Grumman Space Systems and Thales Alenia Space, showcasing international collaboration in space technology.

The launch vehicle for this mission is the SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5, specifically using booster B1094 on its fourth flight. This marks the first time a Cygnus mission will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, a shift from the previous Antares launch vehicle.

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch**: September 14, 2025, at 22:11:49 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Berthing**: The spacecraft is scheduled to berth at the ISS's Unity module (nadir port) on September 18, 2025, at 14:10 UTC.

### Naming and Honors
The mission is named after astronaut William C. McCool, who perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. This naming convention honors the legacy and contributions of fallen astronauts, highlighting the risks and sacrifices inherent in space exploration.

### Significance and Impact
Cygnus NG-23 is significant for several reasons. It ensures the continued operation and research capabilities of the ISS by delivering essential supplies and equipment. The mission also highlights the growing role of commercial entities in space exploration, with Northrop Grumman and SpaceX playing key roles in resupply missions. Additionally, the international collaboration between the United States and Italy in manufacturing the spacecraft underscores the global nature of space exploration.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Cygnus NG-23",
  "description": "2025 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-23",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_NG-23"],
  "additionalType": "SpaceMission"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/09/northrop-grummans-new-spacecraft-is-a-real-chonker/)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.850.corr.txt)
4. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/03/12/cygnus-xl-spacecraft-departing-station-soon-live-on-nasa/)
5. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/03/12/canadarm2-releases-cygnus-xl-spacecraft-ending-cargo-mission/)