NASA says Orbital ATK's Cygnus cargo launch to space station delayed

New Delhi: The launch of private spaceflight company Orbital ATK 's seventh contracted commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed, says NASA.

The launch, which was initially planned for March 19, will occur no ealier than Tuesday, March 21 due to prelaunch testing issue.

During prelaunch testing on March 10, ULA discovered a booster hydraulic issue at the pad.

 

NASA, Orbital ATK and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are now targeting the launch of Cygnus spacecraft on Tuesday, March 21.

The Cygnus spacecraft is packed with 7,600 pounds of supplies and research for crew aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Orbital ATK has contracted with ULA for an Atlas V rocket for the mission, which will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

However, both the cargo spacecraft and Atlas V rocket remain secure in their processing facilities.