The Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft approaches the International Space Station

iss073e0816153 (Sept. 18, 2025) --- Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, carrying more than 11,000 pounds of new science investigations and supplies for the Expedition 73 crew, approaches the International Space Station. The two spacecraft were orbiting 262 miles above northeastern China just before an orbital sunset. Cygnus XL is an expanded version of Northrop Grumman’s previous Cygnus cargo vehicle, offering increased payload capacity and pressurized cargo volume.