Orbital ATK's Cygnus Rendzevous and Installation to the International Space Station

TL;DR

The Cygnus cargo craft was successfully captured and installed at the International Space Station, completing the installation process and securing the supplies and equipment it carried.

Transcript

NOW IN VIEW IS THE CYGNUS CARGO CRAFT. YOU CAN START SEEING THE SOLAR ARRAYS AT THE SIDE AND YOU SEE THE BACK LEFT THERE. >>> 5 METRES AWAY FROM THE HOLDING POINT. CLOSER TO ABOUT 34 METRES AWAY FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. THE RATE IS SLOWING DOWN JUST A BIT ABOUT 0.4 METRES PER SECOND, CLOSING IN ON THAT 30-METRE HOLDING POINT. FROM THEN... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥹 The Cygnus cargo craft approached the International Space Station and reached a 30-metre holding point.
• 🦾 The station's robotic arm was used to capture the Cygnus cargo craft and move it into position.
• 😀 The installation process involved driving 16 bolts to secure the Cygnus cargo craft to the Earth-facing port of the module.
• 💷 The Cygnus cargo craft can carry up to 7400 pounds of supplies and equipment.
• 🚚 Successful capture and installation of the Cygnus cargo craft ensures the safe delivery of supplies to the International Space Station.
• 🇨🇫 The installation process was completed at 6:15 AM Central Time.
• ❓ The Cygnus cargo craft will remain attached to the International Space Station until early December.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was the Cygnus cargo craft captured and installed at the International Space Station?

The Cygnus cargo craft was captured using the station's robotic arm. After reaching the 30-metre holding point, the robotic arm moved towards the Cygnus and grabbed it, securing it in position.

Q: What is the purpose of the installation process for the Cygnus cargo craft?

The installation process ensures that the Cygnus cargo craft is securely attached to the Earth-facing port of the module. It involves driving 16 bolts to complete the installation.

Q: How much weight can the Cygnus cargo craft carry?

The Cygnus cargo craft can carry up to 7400 pounds of supplies and equipment.

Q: What is the significance of successfully capturing and installing the Cygnus cargo craft at the International Space Station?

The successful capture and installation of the Cygnus cargo craft at the International Space Station ensures that the supplies and equipment it carries are safely delivered to the astronauts on board and supports ongoing operations and research in space.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Cygnus cargo craft approached the International Space Station, gradually closing in on its 30-metre holding point.

• The station's robotic arm was used to capture the Cygnus vehicle and move it into position.

• The installation process involved driving 16 bolts to secure the Cygnus to the Earth-facing port of the module.