NASA cancels Cygnus launch after spacecraft suffers damage

In early March 2025, NASA publicly announced that it would not proceed with the launch of the NG-22 Cygnus cargo supply mission due to reported damage to the spacecraft. Built by Northrop Grumman, the Cygnus is one of two Western spacecraft capable of delivering crucial supplies, such as food and experiments, to the International Space Station (ISS). Initial evaluations revealed that damage occurred in the cargo module, prompting NASA to assess whether it would be safe for Cygnus to undertake a future mission. The next anticipated flight for Cygnus, designated as NG-23, is now scheduled to launch no earlier than Fall 2025. As a result of the Cygnus setback, NASA has made modifications to the cargo planned for its next mission, which involves the SpaceX Cargo Dragon, intended to launch in April 2025. This shift indicates ongoing adjustments within NASA's operations to ensure continuous support to the ISS. Despite the issues facing Cygnus, NASA is exploring stopgap measures, including the potential use of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft to transport cargo, highlighting a competitive landscape for limited docking ports available at the space station. Boeing's Starliner has faced challenges of its own, experiencing propulsion issues during its first crew flight in June 2024. NASA is currently evaluating if the vehicle can be certified for crew missions or if it might first need to undergo an uncrewed test flight carrying cargo instead, further complicating the landscape of resupply missions to the ISS. This situation underscores the critical reliance of NASA on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, as Crew Dragon is the only vehicle currently certified for human flights to the ISS. Additionally, NASA has the Dream Chaser spacecraft developed by Sierra Nevada scheduled for a potential launch in May 2025. However, delays in the spacecraft's readiness and the unavailability of a Vulcan rocket leave uncertainties regarding its debut. With the Cygnus cargo module sidelined for at least six months, opportunities for other spacecraft to take over resupply missions have become scarce, compelling NASA to depend almost exclusively on SpaceX to meet the ongoing needs of the ISS. This evolving scenario illustrates the challenges NASA faces amidst development delays and the need for reliable access to low Earth orbit.