SpaceX has moved its Falcon 9 rocket launch carrying Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL commercial resupply mission to Thursday, April 9, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The liftoff is now targeted for 8:26 a.m. ET, with a backup opportunity on Friday, April 10, at 8:03 a.m. ET. The mission, designated NG-24, will deliver supplies and experiments to the International Space Station. This is the seventh flight of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster used for the mission, which previously supported the Ax-4 crew mission, Crew-11, NG-23, and three Starlink launches. After stage separation, the booster will land on Landing Zone 40 at the same space force station.
The reschedule comes after initial plans to launch no earlier than April 8 were delayed. Northrop Grumman officials did not immediately comment on the change, but SpaceX has confirmed the new timeline. The Cygnus XL will carry over 7,700 pounds of cargo, including scientific research, crew supplies, and hardware for the space station. The mission is part of a $1.6 billion contract with NASA for resupply services under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) program.
This launch marks the first flight of the Cygnus XL variant, which features a larger cargo module and enhanced propulsion systems. The spacecraft will spend about six months at the space station before burning up in Earth's atmosphere. SpaceX’s reuse of the Falcon 9 booster highlights the company’s progress in reducing launch costs through reusable rocket technology.
Local residents and space enthusiasts in Brevard County have been monitoring the launch preparations. The event is expected to draw crowds to the Space Coast, though viewing opportunities will be limited to areas near the launch site due to safety restrictions. The mission follows SpaceX’s recent successful Starlink launches from the same complex, reinforcing the area’s role as a hub for space exploration.