Watch private Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft leave the International Space Station today
Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, named the S.S. Steven R. Nagel, has departed the International Space Station after a six-month mission. The uncrewed vehicle will reenter Earth's atmosphere to burn up along with waste materials.
Why it matters
The mission highlights the logistics of maintaining the International Space Station and the role of private contractors in space resupply operations.
Missions International Space Station Private Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft departs the International Space Station after 6-month stay (video) News By Mike Wall Last updated 9 October 2026 The S.S. Steven R. Nagel was released by the station's Canadarm2 at 12:44 p.m. ET.
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Click for next article Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Northrop Grumman's robotic Cygnus XL spacecraft departed the International Space Station today (Oct. 9) after a six-month stay.
Northrop Grumman's uncrewed Cygnus XL freighter was released by the station's huge Canadarm2 robotic arm today at 12:44 p.m. EDT (1644 GMT), while the duo flew 260 miles (418 kilometers) above the Pacific Ocean.
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