Orbital ATK’s Cygnus Spacecraft Successfully Completes Eighth Mission

NASA via Space Newsfeed

December 21, 2017 – Orbital ATKs Cygnus spacecraft, the S.S. Gene Cernan, successfully completed its eighth cargo supply mission to the International Space Station, officially ending its assignment on December 18th with a safe reentry over the Pacific Ocean. 

The mission, known as OA-8, began on November 12th, with a launch atop an Orbital ATK Antares rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. 

The spacecraft delivered approximately 7,400 pounds of supplies and science experiments. While docked, Cygnus acted as an extension to the Space Station – a first-time achievement -- successfully supporting science experiments. Upon its departure from ISS on December 6th, Cygnus left with 6,400 of materials for disposal, which is the largest amount ever removed by Cygnus during any of its missions. 

VPT is proud to have been part of this historic mission, with parts on board both the Cygnus spacecraft and the Antares rocket. We congratulate Orbital ATK on their success.