Cygnus XL Cargo Craft Approaches Space Station for Robotic Capture

NASA astronauts to use Canadarm2 to grab the supply ship carrying over 11,000 pounds of new science and supplies.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and grays depicting the complex orbital mechanics and rendezvous of a cargo spacecraft with a space station, using sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals to convey the structural order of the spacecraft's approach.The intricate dance of robotic spacecraft and human-operated systems as the Cygnus XL cargo craft approaches the International Space Station for a critical resupply mission.Cape Canaveral Today

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, loaded with over 11,000 pounds of new scientific experiments and supplies for the Expedition 73 crew, is approaching the International Space Station and will be captured by the orbiting lab's Canadarm2 robotic arm at around 12:50 p.m. EDT on September 18, 2025.

Why it matters

The successful capture and docking of the Cygnus XL resupply mission is a critical milestone for maintaining the continuous human presence on the International Space Station, which relies on regular cargo deliveries to sustain scientific research and crew operations.

The details

After capture by the Canadarm2, the Cygnus XL spacecraft will be installed on the Unity module's Earth-facing port for the crew to begin unloading the cargo. This mission, known as Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 24 (Northrop Grumman CRS-24), launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 11.

  • Cygnus XL launched at 7:41 a.m. EDT on April 11, 2026.
  • Capture by the Canadarm2 is scheduled for approximately 12:50 p.m. EDT on September 18, 2025.

The players

Northrop Grumman

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

Jack Hathaway

NASA astronaut who will operate the Canadarm2 to capture the Cygnus XL spacecraft.

Chris Williams

NASA astronaut who will assist in the capture of the Cygnus XL spacecraft using the Canadarm2.

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What’s next

NASA will not provide live coverage of the Cygnus XL spacecraft's installation on the Unity module after it is captured by the Canadarm2.

The takeaway

The successful capture and docking of the Cygnus XL resupply mission is a critical step in maintaining the continuous human presence on the International Space Station, which relies on regular cargo deliveries to sustain scientific research and crew operations.