NASA: Cygnus XL will not be able to arrive at the ISS on time due to engine problems
The American Cygnus XL transport spacecraft, which delivers cargo to the International Space Station (ISS), will not be able to arrive on time due to technical reasons, the NASA space agency said.
“NASA and Northrop Grumman are delaying the arrival of Cygnus XL to the International Space Station as flight controllers consider an alternative orbit correction plan for the cargo ship. Cygnus XL will not arrive at the station on Wednesday, September 17, as originally planned, and a new arrival date and time are under consideration,” the agency said in a statement.
According to NASA, the Cygnus XL main engine stopped earlier than planned. All other spacecraft systems are working fine.
Earlier, NASA confirmed the successful launch of Cygnus XL in the US state of Florida. The spacecraft carries materials for the production of pharmaceutical crystals that can be used to treat cancer and other diseases.