In addition, the Cygnus carries a small satellite called NACHOS: Weighing just 13 pounds, this prototype instrument could make it easier to monitor volcanic activity and air quality. a system that will test hydroponic and aeroponic techniques for plant growth and will allow scientists to observe root growth through video and still images.new hydrogen sensors that will be tested for the space station’s oxygen generation system.a demonstration of a lithium-ion secondary battery capable of safe, stable operation under extreme temperatures and in a vacuum environment.an investigation from Colgate-Palmolive that will leverage the acceleration of skin aging in microgravity to help create and validate an engineered tissue model to serve as a platform for testing potential products to protect aging skin.a study that examines the effects of a drug on breast and prostate cancer cells.Highlights of space station research facilitated by this mission include: Loaded with more than 8,300 pounds of research, crew supplies, and hardware, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft will launch on the company’s Antares rocket from Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Credit: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility/Patrick Black A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket illuminated by the rising Sun.
Credit: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility/Patrick Black. Live launch coverage also airs on NASA Television, as well as Twitter, Facebook, and NASA’s App. A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket illuminated by the rising Sun.