Engine trouble delays Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL cargo delivery to ISS

On September 17, 2025, NASA and aerospace manufacturer Northrop Grumman announced a delay in the arrival of the Cygnus XL cargo craft to the International Space Station due to an engine issue. The spacecraft, which had launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida just two days prior, was carrying over 11,000 pounds of scientific equipment, food, and other necessary supplies for the ISS crew. It was originally scheduled to dock with the station on September 18, but the craft's main engine unexpectedly ceased operation during crucial orbital maneuvers designed to facilitate this docking. The Cygnus XL cargo craft was launched aboard a Northrop Grumman vehicle, marking its first operational flight as an extra-large model intended to enhance cargo capacity for missions to the ISS. As part of NASA's ongoing partnership with Northrop Grumman, the successful operation of this delivery is vital to maintaining the supply chain for the ISS crew, which consists of seven members living and working in space. The Cygnus XL was set to remain at the ISS until March 2026, at which point it would re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, burning up upon re-entry. Following the engine failure, NASA stated that all other systems on the Cygnus XL are functioning normally and that flight controllers are currently deliberating an alternate plan for the spacecraft’s arrival. The exact details surrounding the engine malfunction remain uncertain, as NASA did not disclose the specific problem with the engine. Technical teams are expected to work diligently to determine the necessary solutions while assuring the safety and integrity of both the spacecraft and its cargo. In addition to the critical food and scientific instruments aboard the Cygnus XL, the cargo also includes essential spare parts for the ISS’s life support systems, including its toilet. The delay has implications for scheduled activities aboard the space station, as the crew relies on timely supplies to carry out their scientific experiments and daily living needs in a harsh and isolated environment high above Earth.