NASA Media Invited to Cygnus XL Launch
Northrop Grumman's 25th station resupply spacecraft is scheduled to lift off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in late November.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Space
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NASA has opened media accreditation for the Northrop Grumman CRS-25 mission, which will launch the Cygnus XL spacecraft to the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for no earlier than 10:49 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 29, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Why it matters
The mission carries new scientific experiments to the station and reflects continued reliance on U.S. commercial companies for cargo resupply. Its outcome will shape how research hardware is delivered to orbit for the next several months.
The Cygnus XL is the 25th spacecraft Northrop Grumman has built for NASA station resupply under contract, and the International Space Station has been continuously occupied for 26 years. Liftoff is targeted for 10:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 29, though the timing remains subject to change.
The players
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the U.S. government agency that manages the International Space Station and its cargo resupply missions.
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a major U.S. aerospace and defense contractor that builds the Cygnus spacecraft under contract to NASA.
SpaceX
SpaceX is a private American rocket company whose Falcon 9 vehicle will launch the Cygnus XL to orbit.
The details
The Cygnus XL will ride a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40 and carry several new experiments, including hardware to manufacture tiny DNA-inspired particles in space and human muscle cells and medications for testing therapeutics against muscle loss. After arrival, astronauts will capture the spacecraft with the Canadarm2 robotic arm and install it at the Unity module's Earth-facing port for cargo unloading.
Timeline
Nov. 12, 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for U.S. citizen media accreditation applications.
Nov. 29, 10:49 a.m. EST: Targeted liftoff of Cygnus on a Falcon 9 rocket.
May 2027: Cygnus scheduled to depart the space station.
Deeper Dive
The CRS-25 flight continues the Commercial Resupply Services contracts under which NASA buys cargo delivery from private companies rather than operating every flight itself. This Cygnus XL marks the 25th such spacecraft Northrop Grumman has built for the program.
Experiments carried aboard Cygnus could lead to improved drug delivery for cancer and osteoarthritis if the research produces results. A compact radiation sensor on board is designed to help protect crews on future missions.
The takeaway
Reliable cargo delivery to the station depends on commercial partners performing mission after mission, so each successful launch strengthens the country's capacity for ongoing orbital research.
What happens next
U.S. citizen media accreditation closes Nov. 12, and Cygnus liftoff is targeted for Nov. 29 at 10:49 a.m. EST from Florida.
Further reading
Explore more space news and coverage to follow the station's ongoing cargo missions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NASA.
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