The Unstoppable Cygnus 5: A Statistical Breakdown

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft has been a stalwart of the International Space Station (ISS) resupply mission, having successfully completed multiple flights to deliver essential cargo and supplies to the orbiting laboratory. The fifth iteration of this program, Cygnus 5, was launched on November 2, 2017, from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch cygnus5.top
Complex 41 aboard an Atlas V rocket.

The success of Cygnus 5 can be attributed to a combination of cutting-edge technology and meticulous planning. This article will delve into the statistics behind this remarkable mission, shedding light on the key factors that contributed to its triumph.

Launch and Orbit

Cygnus 5 was launched at 11:45 AM EST on November 2, 2017, marking the first flight of an Atlas V rocket with a Cygnus spacecraft. The launch vehicle’s Centaur upper stage efficiently propelled the spacecraft into orbit, achieving a peak altitude of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) above Earth’s surface.

Orbit and Docking

Once in orbit, Cygnus 5 performed a series of maneuvers to reach its final destination – the ISS. The spacecraft rendezvoused with the station on November 14, 2017, when it successfully docked at the Unity Node module via the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA).

Cargo and Supplies

Cygnus 5 carried approximately 3,300 kilograms (7,280 pounds) of cargo to the ISS, including scientific equipment, food, water, and spare parts. The spacecraft’s payload included:

• Scientific experiments: 12 packages containing various research projects, such as a study on the effects of microgravity on plant growth
• Food and supplies: 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds) of provisions for the ISS crew, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and canned goods
• Spare parts: Essential components for maintaining the station’s systems, including replacement solar panels and batteries

Operations and Performance

Cygnus 5 demonstrated exceptional performance throughout its mission. The spacecraft successfully deployed a series of small satellites, including:

• Flock-3d (12 satellites): A cluster of CubeSats designed to study Earth’s atmosphere
• LightSail 2: A solar sail spacecraft testing the principles of light propulsion

The Cygnus spacecraft also performed a series of "orbital boosts," adjusting its trajectory to maintain a stable orbit around the ISS.

Launch and Re-Entry Statistics

Cygnus 5 marked the first time an Atlas V rocket carried a Cygnus spacecraft. The launch vehicle’s performance was characterized by:

• Gross mass: 630,000 kilograms (1,389,000 pounds)
• Payload capacity: approximately 8,400 kilograms (18,500 pounds)
• C3 velocity: 2.5 kilometers per second (1.55 miles per second)

Upon completion of its mission, Cygnus 5 was de-orbited and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on November 21, 2017, in the Pacific Ocean.

Mission Cost and Timeline

The total cost for the Cygnus 5 mission is estimated to be around $150 million. The mission timeline spanned approximately two weeks, with a launch window of six days. Key milestones included:

• Launch: November 2, 2017
• Docking: November 14, 2017
• Cargo delivery: November 15-16, 2017
• De-orbit and re-entry: November 21, 2017

Conclusion

The success of Cygnus 5 is a testament to the effectiveness of Northrop Grumman’s resupply mission program. With its impressive payload capacity and adaptability in orbit, this spacecraft has solidified its place as a vital component of ISS logistics.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and precise planning, Cygnus 5 has set a new standard for space missions. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, statistics such as those gathered from this mission will undoubtedly inform future endeavors, ensuring continued success in our pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

Future Developments

Northrop Grumman is already working on the next iteration of its Cygnus program – Cygnus 6. Scheduled for launch in late 2018, this spacecraft promises to bring even more innovative capabilities to the ISS resupply mission.

Key features of the Cygnus 6 spacecraft include:

• Increased payload capacity: Up to 4,500 kilograms (9,920 pounds)
• Improved navigation and control systems
• Enhanced communication protocols for seamless integration with the ISS

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that the success of Cygnus 5 is only a stepping stone in an ongoing journey to explore the vast expanse of space.