Canadarm2 Captures Cygnus XL Cargo Craft at International Space Station

NASA astronauts use robotic arm to grapple and dock resupply ship

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and grays depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise mechanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex maneuvers and forces involved in the Canadarm2 capturing and docking the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station.The Canadarm2 robotic arm's intricate dance to capture and dock the Cygnus XL cargo craft represents the technical mastery and coordination required to maintain the International Space Station's critical supply lines.Cape Canaveral Today

NASA astronaut Chris Williams, with assistance from NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway, used the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft at 1:20 p.m. EDT. The Cygnus XL spacecraft, named the S.S. Steven R. Nagel in honor of the former NASA astronaut, delivered over 11,000 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory.

Why it matters

The successful capture and docking of the Cygnus XL cargo craft is a critical resupply mission for the International Space Station, delivering essential scientific experiments, equipment, and supplies to support the ongoing research and operations aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The details

The Cygnus XL spacecraft arrived at its capture point 10 meters away from the International Space Station, where the Canadarm2 robotic arm, operated by NASA astronaut Chris Williams, reached out and grappled the resupply ship. NASA's Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston will now use the Canadarm2 to position the Cygnus XL spacecraft for installation at the Unity module's Earth-facing port.

  • The Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft was launched at 7:41 a.m. on April 11 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
  • The Canadarm2 captured the Cygnus XL spacecraft at 1:20 p.m. EDT on April 13.

The players

Chris Williams

NASA astronaut who operated the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft.

Jack Hathaway

NASA astronaut who assisted Chris Williams in the capture of the Cygnus XL spacecraft.

Northrop Grumman

The aerospace and defense technology company that built and launched the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft.

Steven R. Nagel

Former NASA astronaut who flew four space shuttle missions and logged more than 720 hours in space, after whom the Cygnus XL spacecraft was named.

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What’s next

NASA's Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston will use the Canadarm2 to position the Cygnus XL spacecraft for installation at the Unity module's Earth-facing port.

The takeaway

The successful capture and docking of the Cygnus XL cargo craft is a critical milestone in maintaining the ongoing operations and research aboard the International Space Station, ensuring a steady supply of essential scientific equipment, experiments, and provisions for the astronauts.