LIVE: Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL spacecraft departs the ISS

Precision robotic release

Cygnus XL was released from the Canadarm2 robotic arm at 6:06 a.m. CT while the International Space Station flew 260 statute miles above the South Atlantic.

Six-minute departure burn

The spacecraft conducted a 6-minute 40-second engine burn to establish a 24-hour safe trajectory away from the station and exit the 200-meter keep-out sphere.

Safety boundary management

Ground teams monitored Cygnus as it crossed the 200-meter keep-out sphere and approached the 4km x 2km x 2km approach ellipsoid to ensure collision-free separation.

Ground team leadership

Flight Director Garrett Hayne led the operation from Houston alongside CAPCOM Aaron Edwards and Robo Flight Controller Casey Chen managing the Canadarm2.

Multi-agency coordination

Visiting Vehicle Officers M Nicholas Lopez and Nate Yotalto coordinated with Northrop Grumman's Virginia facility while ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot monitored from the Cupola.

Honoring William McCool

NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway rendered departure honors for the SS William McCool, named after the Columbia STS-107 pilot, noting their shared background as Eagle Scouts, Naval Academy graduates, and naval aviators.

Atmospheric trash disposal

After delivering thousands of pounds of supplies during its 175-day stay, Cygnus will de-orbit on March 14th to burn up over the Pacific Ocean, disposing of several thousand pounds of station trash.