NASA Opens Media Accreditation for Northrop Grumman CRS‑25 Resupply Launch to the ISS
NASA invites U.S. journalists to cover the November launch of a Cygnus XL cargo ship that will deliver science experiments and supplies to the International Space Station.
Launch details and schedule
NASA has announced that a Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Nov. 29, no earlier than 10:49 a.m. EST. The vehicle will ride aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and travel to the International Space Station (ISS) for a six‑month docked mission that will conclude in May 2027.
How the spacecraft will be captured
After launch, astronauts aboard the ISS will employ the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple the Cygnus and attach it to the Earth‑facing port of the Unity module. The arm will then release the spacecraft into orbit, as shown in a photo taken on Oct. 9, 2026 when the vehicle was still attached to Unity over the Indian Ocean, 263 miles above the coast of Madagascar.
Scientific payload and experiments
The resupply mission will bring a suite of new investigations covering biology, biotechnology, and technology development. Highlights include:
Hardware to manufacture tiny, DNA‑inspired particles in microgravity, targeting improved drug delivery for cancer and osteoarthritis.
A study designed to predict the likelihood of cancer metastasis, potentially guiding future treatments.
Human muscle cells and associated medications to test therapeutics for muscle loss caused by spaceflight and aging.
A compact radiation sensor intended to enhance crew safety on upcoming deep‑space missions.
Each CRS‑25 flight continues the tradition of delivering scientific investigations in the areas of Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations, reinforcing the United States’ capability to sustain research aboard humanity’s orbital laboratory.
Media accreditation process
U.S. media representatives who wish to cover pre‑launch and launch activities must submit an online application by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 12. All requests are to be filed at https://media.ksc.nasa.gov. Approved journalists will receive a confirmation email and must follow NASA’s media accreditation policy, available on the agency’s website.
For accreditation questions or logistical support, media can email ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov. Additional inquiries may be directed to the Kennedy Space Center newsroom at 321‑867‑2468.
Broader context
This launch marks the 25th Cygnus spacecraft built under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract, underscoring a long‑standing partnership that sustains the ISS and enables a robust low‑Earth‑orbit economy. As commercial providers focus on crew transportation and destinations, NASA is allocating more resources to deep‑space exploration, including Artemis lunar missions and future Mars objectives.
Continued investment in commercial cargo flights keeps the ISS a vibrant platform for cutting‑edge research while paving the way for humanity’s next steps beyond Earth.
