# Cygnus XL

> model of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft produced by Northrop Grumman

**Wikidata**: [Q136334581](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136334581)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cygnus-xl

## Summary  
Cygnus XL is a model of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft produced by Northrop Grumman, designed to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). It is part of the broader Cygnus family of spacecraft and serves as a key component of NASA’s commercial resupply services. The spacecraft has a pressurized cargo capacity of 36 cubic meters and can carry up to 5,000 kilograms of payload.

## Key Facts  
- Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Space Systems (with Thales Alenia Space as subcontractor)  
- Country of origin: United States, Italy  
- Length: 8 metres  
- Diameter: 3.07 metres  
- Payload mass: 5,000 kg  
- Volume (pressurized cabin): 36 cubic metres  
- Service entry date: September 14, 2025  
- Launch vehicle: Antares  
- Operator: Northrop Grumman Space Systems  
- Powered by: Two solar arrays producing 3.5 kW  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the Cygnus XL used for?  
A: The Cygnus XL is an uncrewed cargo spacecraft used to transport supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program.

### Q: Who manufactures the Cygnus XL?  
A: The Cygnus XL is manufactured by Northrop Grumman Space Systems, with contributions from Thales Alenia Space as a subcontractor.

### Q: When was the Cygnus XL first launched?  
A: The service entry date for the Cygnus XL model is scheduled for September 14, 2025.

## Why It Matters  
The Cygnus XL plays a critical role in sustaining operations aboard the International Space Station by reliably delivering essential cargo such as food, water, fuel, and research materials. As part of Northrop Grumman’s ongoing commitment to space logistics, it supports long-term human presence in low Earth orbit. Its modular design allows flexibility in mission planning and contributes to cost-effective access to space. With increased payload capacity compared to earlier models, the Cygnus XL enhances efficiency in ISS resupply missions, ensuring continuity for scientific research and station maintenance.

## Notable For  
- Largest cargo capacity within the Cygnus family at 5,000 kg payload mass  
- First use of enhanced solar power system generating 3.5 kW via dual arrays  
- Designed specifically for compatibility with the Antares launch vehicle  
- Incorporates international collaboration through Italian-built components by Thales Alenia Space  
- Scheduled operational debut in 2025 marks continued evolution of U.S. commercial space capabilities  

## Body  
### Overview  
The Cygnus XL is a variant of the Cygnus spacecraft developed by Northrop Grumman for uncrewed cargo delivery missions to the International Space Station. It represents an upgraded version optimized for higher payload capacity and improved performance over previous iterations like the Standard and Enhanced variants.

### Design Specifications  
- **Length**: 8 metres  
- **Diameter**: 3.07 metres  
- **Pressurized Cabin Volume**: 36 cubic metres  
- **Payload Capacity**: Up to 5,000 kg  
- **Power System**: Dual deployable solar arrays providing 3.5 kW total power output  

### Manufacturing & Partnerships  
- Primary manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Space Systems  
- Subcontractor involvement: Thales Alenia Space (Italy), responsible for pressurized cargo module construction  
- Country of origin includes both the United States and Italy due to collaborative development  

### Operational Details  
- **Service Entry Date**: September 14, 2025  
- **Launch Vehicle Compatibility**: Antares rocket  
- **Mission Profile**: Uncrewed cargo delivery to ISS followed by deorbit burn for safe disposal  
- **Operator**: Northrop Grumman Space Systems  

### Missions  
- **First Planned Mission**: NG-23, scheduled for 2025  
- **Future Missions**: Includes NG-24 and beyond, continuing regular ISS resupply cycles  

### Classification  
- Instance of: Spacecraft model  
- Subclass of: Cargo spacecraft, uncrewed spacecraft  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Cygnus XL",
  "description": "Model of American uncrewed cargo spacecraft produced by Northrop Grumman.",
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft Model"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://cdn.northropgrumman.com/-/media/Project/Northrop-Grumman/ngc/space/space-02/Cygnus-Factsheet-NG23-1521.pdf)
2. [Source](http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/Publications/Cygnus_fact.pdf)
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cygnus-pcm-ext.htm)
4. [Source](https://cdn.northropgrumman.com/-/media/Project/Northrop-Grumman/ngc/what-we-do/space/cygnus/NG-23-Mission-Overview-Handout.pdf)
5. [Source](https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2025/09/18/northrop-grummans-cygnus-missions-to-the-iss-a-review-of-problems-and-status-as-of-september-18-2025/)