Cygnus XL Cargo Craft Solar Arrays Deploy, Powering Flight to Station

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL spacecraft launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and oranges, depicting the sweeping geometric forms and precise spiraling patterns of a spacecraft's solar array deployment, conveying the structural order and complex forces at work.The deployment of Cygnus XL's solar arrays represents a critical step in powering the spacecraft's journey to the International Space Station, where it will deliver vital supplies and experiments.Cape Canaveral Today

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft successfully deployed its two solar arrays after launching earlier today at 7:41 a.m. EDT on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, known as NASA's Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services-24, will deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

Why it matters

The Cygnus XL spacecraft is an important part of NASA's commercial resupply program, which relies on private companies to transport cargo and supplies to the International Space Station. The successful deployment of the solar arrays ensures the spacecraft has the power it needs to complete its mission.

The details

The Cygnus XL spacecraft is equipped with two prominent cymbal-shaped UltraFlex solar arrays that will provide the power needed for its flight to the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams will use the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture the Cygnus XL spacecraft and install it on the Unity module's Earth-facing port, where it will remain until October.

  • The Cygnus XL spacecraft launched at 7:41 a.m. EDT on April 11, 2026.
  • NASA will begin live coverage of the spacecraft's arrival at 12 p.m. on April 13, 2026.
  • The Cygnus XL spacecraft is expected to be captured by the Canadarm2 at approximately 12:50 p.m. on April 13, 2026.

The players

Northrop Grumman

An American aerospace and defense technology company that built the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft.

SpaceX

An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company that launched the Cygnus XL spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket.

Jack Hathaway

A NASA astronaut who will use the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture the Cygnus XL spacecraft.

Chris Williams

A NASA astronaut who will use the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture the Cygnus XL spacecraft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

NASA will not provide live coverage of the Cygnus XL spacecraft's installation on the International Space Station, but the public can follow updates on the space station blog, @space_station on X, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.

The takeaway

The successful deployment of the Cygnus XL spacecraft's solar arrays is a critical step in the mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, highlighting the importance of NASA's commercial resupply program and the ongoing collaboration between government and private space companies.