The issue started when the container with the ship’s cargo section was damaged during transportation. NASA specialists and Northrop Grumman, the company that makes Cygnus, are now assessing the extent of the damage. It’s not yet clear whether the ship will be able to fly later or will need to be replaced. This isn’t the first problem with Cygnus—in the past, there have been delays due to electronics malfunctions.
Due to the cancellation of the mission, NASA decided to transfer part of the cargo to another ship—SpaceX Dragon, which will fly at the end of April. More food and items for the crew will be loaded onto it to ensure supplies don’t run out at the station. Cygnus usually carries about 3.5 tons of cargo, and its absence might create difficulties.
