Cygnus XL Cargo Spacecraft Departs ISS, Set for Controlled Reentry

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft departed the International Space Station (ISS) on March 12, 2026, after a nearly six-month mission. The uncrewed vehicle, which delivered over 11,000 pounds of supplies and scientific investigations in September 2025, was released from the station's Unity module using the Canadarm2 robotic arm at approximately 7:06 a.m. EST over the South Atlantic Ocean.

The Cygnus XL is scheduled for a controlled reentry into Earth's atmosphere on March 14, 2026, where it will burn up harmlessly over the South Pacific Ocean. This reentry will also dispose of several thousand pounds of trash from the ISS.

Launched on September 14, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the Cygnus XL experienced a minor engine issue during its journey to the ISS, causing a one-day delay in its arrival.

The Cygnus XL represents an upgraded version of Northrop Grumman's cargo spacecraft, capable of transporting approximately 2,600 additional pounds of cargo compared to previous models.

This mission underscores the ongoing collaboration between NASA and commercial partners to support the ISS and its crew through regular resupply missions.