Cygnus XL raises ISS orbit for docking with Progress 96
Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft raised the orbit of the International Space Station on August 27. The vehicle, docked to the Unity module, fired its engines and carried out the planned maneuver, bringing the station to a higher altitude.
Preparations for Progress 96
The orbit adjustment was conducted to prepare the ISS for the arrival of the Progress 96 cargo spacecraft next week. The altitude change was intended to ensure the station was in the required position for rendezvous and docking with the Russian supply spacecraft.
Space.com reports on the maneuver. A NASA image shows Cygnus, named after the Cygnus constellation, docked to the station during the planned orbit boost.
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A series of cargo missions
Progress 96 will become the 96th cargo mission in the Progress spacecraft series. Such vehicles deliver water, fuel, food, scientific equipment and other supplies to space stations.
The first Progress spacecraft departed for the Soviet Salyut 6 station in 1978, before the ISS existed. According to Space.com, the upcoming Progress 96 mission will continue this series of cargo flights to space stations.
