The International Space Station’s Canadarm2 captured Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft at 7:24 a.m. EDT on Sept. 18, 2025, initiating berthing operations to the Unity module’s Earth-facing (nadir) port. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim performed the capture with support from NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, while mission control at Johnson Space Center prepared to maneuver the vehicle for installation. NASA targeted live coverage of the installation at 9 a.m. EDT on NASA+ and partner platforms, according to a NASA update.
Mission snapshot
- Event: Robotic capture of Cygnus XL by Canadarm2 for ISS berthing
- Capture time: 7:24 a.m. EDT, Sept. 18, 2025
- Crew operators: Jonny Kim (primary), Zena Cardman (assistance)
- Destination: Unity module nadir port (Earth-facing)
- Coverage: Installation operations targeted for 9 a.m. EDT
- Mission: Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services-23 (CRS-23)
- Launch: 6:11 p.m. EDT, Sept. 14, on SpaceX Falcon 9 from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Manifest: More than 11,000 pounds of research, hardware, and crew supplies
Operations and timeline
Following capture, ground controllers in Houston command the Canadian-built robotic arm to maneuver Cygnus XL to the proper installation orientation. The spacecraft is then guided in for berthing to the Unity nadir port, where the station’s berthing system secures the vehicle for integrated power and data connections. These steps are designed to minimize crew workload and maintain a controlled approach profile for visiting vehicles.
What’s on board
The CRS-23 manifest includes scientific investigations, station maintenance hardware, technology demonstrations, and crew consumables to sustain Expedition 73 operations. The delivery supports ongoing microgravity research across biology, physical sciences, and technology, while backfilling critical spares that keep station systems operating nominally.
Why it matters
Regular commercial resupply is central to the ISS program’s research cadence and logistics resilience. The combination of a Northrop Grumman cargo spacecraft launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 reflects the maturing multi-provider architecture underpinning low Earth orbit operations. Robotic capture and berthing via Canadarm2 remain a proven method for integrating uncrewed cargo vehicles with the station.
By the numbers
- 1 cargo spacecraft: Cygnus XL (CRS-23)
- 2 crew operators: Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman
- >11,000 lb of cargo: research, hardware, and supplies
- 2 key milestones today: robotic capture and berthing to Unity nadir
- 4 days from launch to capture: Sept. 14–18, 2025
What’s next
- Arm maneuver to installation pose under ground control
- Final approach and berthing to the Unity Earth-facing port
- Leak checks and interface verifications
- Hatch opening and cargo transfer to support Expedition 73
Once integrated, Cygnus XL will enable a new cycle of science operations and maintenance activities before eventual departure and disposal at the end of its mission.
