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NASA Invites Public to Share in Northrop Grumman’s 18th Cargo Resupply Mission

NASA Communications

Oct 31, 2022
Article
Cygnus is gripped by the Canadarm2
The Cygnus space freighter from Northrop Grumman is pictured in the grip of the Canadarm2 robotic arm while still attached to the International Space Station’s Unity module.

NASA is inviting the public to take part in virtual activities ahead of the launch of Northrop Grumman’s 18th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Northrop Grumman is targeting liftoff of its Antares rocket no earlier than 5:50 a.m. EST Sunday, Nov. 6, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.

Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for this launch includes curated launch resources, timely mission updates, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch.

Planned space station research supported by this mission includes 3D printing of human tissue, as well as Uganda and Zimbabwe’s first satellites developed as part of the BIRDS program, the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite project supporting space engineers in non-space-faring nations.

The S.S. Sally Ride
It is Northrop Grumman’s tradition to name each Cygnus spacecraft in honor of an individual who has made great contributions to human spaceflight. Ride was selected in honor of her accomplishment as the first American woman to fly in space, as well as her incredible work in creating STEM education opportunities for young girls through her organization, Sally Ride Science.

Members of the public can also share in the journey through a variety of activities, including:

Live coverage and countdown commentary will begin at 5:30 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 6, and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTube, Twitter, and NASA’s App.
Launch Viewing Feature Highlight

In the area? See where and when you can view NG-18 when it launches.

Virtual Launch Passport

Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual passport. Stamps will be emailed following launch.

Watch and Engage on Social Media

Stay connected with the mission on social media and let people know you’re following it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow and tag these accounts:

Additional information about Northrop Grumman’s 18th Commercial Resupply mission can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman.