Perfect Launch from Wallops

The uncrewed freighter is bringing more than 8,300 pounds of supplies and research gear to the International Space Station.

A private Cygnus freighter launched from Wallops with several tons of research and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday (Feb. 19).

The Northrop Grumman spacecraft launched on time atop an Antares rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia at 12:40 p.m. EST (1740 GMT), kicking off a 1.5-day journey to the ISS. Winds were cited as the only potential major obstacle to launch, but the pre-launch poll indicated no issues with weather.

“It was a perfect ride to orbit,” a NASA spokesperson said on NASA TV after the launch during live commentary. “Cygnus now well on its way to the International Space Station.”

A picture perfect launch! 🚀

The @northropgrumman Antares rocket carrying the S.S. Piers Sellers Cygnus spacecraft launched from Wallops at 12:40 p.m. ET which will deliver 8,300 pounds of science, research, & supplies to the @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/eooMrNb7IJ

— NASA Wallops (@NASA_Wallops) February 19, 2022