# Cygnus Standard

> model of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation

**Wikidata**: [Q136334579](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136334579)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-standard

## Summary
The Cygnus Standard is a model of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed to resupply space stations, manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It represents part of the Cygnus family of spacecraft and was developed to deliver cargo to the International Space Station using the Antares launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- The Cygnus Standard has a dry mass of 1,500 kilograms and a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms
- It is 5.14 meters in length with a diameter of 3.07 meters
- The spacecraft is powered by two solar arrays providing 3,500 watts of total power
- Service entry began on September 18, 2013, with retirement on October 28, 2014
- The Cygnus Standard operates as an uncrewed cargo spacecraft under the Cygnus family
- It was launched using the Antares launch vehicle produced by Northrop Grumman
- The pressurized cabin of the Cygnus Standard has a volume of 18.9 cubic meters
- The spacecraft was primarily manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, with Thales Alenia Space as a subcontractor

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Cygnus Standard?
A: The Cygnus Standard is designed as an uncrewed cargo spacecraft to resupply space stations, particularly the International Space Station, by transporting supplies, equipment, and experiments.

### Q: When was the Cygnus Standard in service?
A: The Cygnus Standard entered service on September 18, 2013, and was retired on October 28, 2014.

### Q: Who manufactured the Cygnus Standard?
A: The Cygnus Standard was primarily manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, with Thales Alenia Space serving as a subcontractor and Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands providing the spacecraft solar arrays.

### Q: What launch vehicle is used for the Cygnus Standard?
A: The Cygnus Standard is launched using the Antares rocket, which is produced by Northrop Grumman.

### Q: How much cargo can the Cygnus Standard carry?
A: The Cygnus Standard has a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms and a pressurized cabin volume of 18.9 cubic meters.

## Why It Matters
The Cygnus Standard represents a significant advancement in American autonomous cargo transportation to space stations, enabling reliable resupply missions to the International Space Station without the need for human presence. As part of the Cygnus family of spacecraft, it provided a critical logistics solution for maintaining operations aboard the ISS during a period when NASA relied on private sector capabilities. Its successful development and operation by Orbital Sciences Corporation demonstrated the viability of commercial partnerships in space exploration and paved the way for more advanced versions of the Cygnus spacecraft that continue to serve in resupply missions today.

## Notable For
- Being a key member of the Cygnus family of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft
- Operating with a 2,000 kg payload capacity and 18.9 m³ pressurized volume
- Utilizing solar arrays for 3,500 watts of power generation
- Having a unique design with a length of 5.14 meters and diameter of 3.07 meters
- Successfully serving the International Space Station resupply role from 2013 to 2014

## Body
### Overview
The Cygnus Standard is a specific model within the Cygnus family of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed for resupply missions to space stations. As a spacecraft model, it belongs to the broader categories of cargo spacecraft (robotic spacecraft designed to resupply space stations) and uncrewed spacecraft (spacecraft without people on board used for robotic spaceflight).

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 1,500 kg (dry weight)
- Length: 5.14 meters
- Diameter: 3.07 meters
- Payload capacity: 2,000 kilograms
- Pressurized cabin volume: 18.9 cubic meters
- Power system: Two solar arrays generating 3,500 watts of total power

### Manufacturing and Development
- Primary manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corporation
- Subcontractor: Thales Alenia Space
- Solar array provider: Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands
- Country of origin: United States, Italy

### Operational History
- Service entry date: September 18, 2013
- Service retirement date: October 28, 2014
- Launch vehicle: Antares (produced by Northrop Grumman)
- Operator: Orbital Sciences Corporation

### Purpose and Function
The Cygnus Standard was designed specifically for cargo resupply missions to space stations, particularly the International Space Station. Its uncrewed nature allows it to deliver supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments without requiring crew resources, making it an efficient logistics solution for long-duration space missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cygnus-pcm.htm)
2. [Source](https://spaceflight101.com/spacecraft/cygnus/)
3. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/iss-cygnus)
4. [Source](http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/Publications/Cygnus_fact.pdf)
5. [Source](https://hackaday.com/2025/09/18/a-new-generation-of-spacecraft-head-to-the-iss/)