Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo ship overcomes software issues to reach International Space Station

On September 18, 2025, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo ship successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) after addressing a software issue that had delayed its rendezvous by one day. The spacecraft was delayed originally due to an unexpected fault detection trigger within its main engine software that led to premature shutdowns during critical thruster firings. Engineers at Northrop Grumman adjusted the sensitivity settings of the software, allowing the spacecraft to proceed with its planned trajectory and docking maneuvers after confirming that the main engine was operating properly. The rendezvous and successful capture of the Cygnus XL occurred early Thursday morning, with astronaut Jonny Kim operating the ISS's robotic arm to securely latch onto the cargo ship. Following the initial capture at 7:24 a.m. EDT, Kim transferred control of the robotic arm to flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to complete the berthing process at a designated port on the Unity module of the ISS. This event marked a significant milestone for this mission, demonstrating the adaptability and problem-solving capabilities of NASA and Northrop Grumman teams when faced with unforeseen challenges. The Cygnus XL is part of an upgraded series of cargo ships designed to transport supplies to the ISS, carrying an impressive payload of over five tons, which includes essential spare parts, research materials, and vital crew supplies. Additionally, the shipment contained festive treats for the astronauts aboard the space station. Notably, the Cygnus XL mission's successful launch and arrival were not only vital in replenishing on-board supplies but also served to honor the legacy of Captain William