NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG-23

More cargo in a single mission to the International Space Station.

Since 2013, we have delivered approx. 71,000 kg of essential supplies, experiments, and equipment to the International Space Station

NG-23 Mission

NG-23 launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sept. 14 and safely arrived at the International Space Station on Sept. 18, carrying more than 11,000 pounds of critical spares, food and supplies. Cygnus XL will remain at the space station until spring when it departs the orbiting laboratory and dispose of several thousand pounds of trash.

Meet NG-23: The S.S. William “Willie” C. McCool

About the NG-23 Mission

Northrop Grumman is proud to name the NG-23 Cygnus spacecraft in honor of NASA astronaut William “Willie” C. McCool.

It’s our tradition to name each Cygnus spacecraft to recognize an individual who has made substantial contributions to human spaceflight. McCool was a naval aviator and NASA astronaut. He was selected as an astronaut in 1996 and piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia on its final mission, STS-107 in 2003. Tragically, he and the crew perished on re-entry, 16 minutes before scheduled landing.

McCool received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Among his honors were the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Posthumously, he was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, recognizing his bravery and sacrifice in the pursuit of space exploration.

Photo credit: NASA

William "Willie" McCool Biography Cygnus Fact Sheet NG-23 Infographic: Six Mission Steps NG-23 Mission Overview