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On Feb. 19 at 12:40 p.m. EST (17:40 UTC), @NorthropGrumman’s NG-17 Cygnus spacecraft launched aboard an Antares rocket from @NASAWallops, bound for the International Space Station. The Cygnus spacecraft has been named S.S. Piers Sellers, in dedication to the former astronaut and climate scientist who was instrumental in constructing the @ISS.
Along with supplies and food, materials supporting over 250 current and future science investigations are on their way to the orbital lab, including:
▪️ Colgate Skin Aging, which will study cellular and molecular changes in engineered human skin cells in microgravity. Microgravity can lead to changes in the body that are like aging, but can happen much more quickly and can be more easily studied.
▪️ MicroQuin 3D Tumor, which will examine effects of a therapeutic on breast and prostate cancer cells. These cells can grow in a more natural 3D model in microgravity, allowing more insight into their cellular characteristics.
▪️ XROOTS will use hydroponic (water-based) and aeroponic (air-based) techniques to grow plants, reducing overall system mass. Current systems for growing plants in space use soil or growth medium.
Tune in as @NASAAstronauts @Astro_Raja and @Astro_Kayla capture the Cygnus spacecraft with the station’s robotic arm. Docking to the station is expected on Mon. Feb. 18, at 4:35 am ET (9:35 UTC). Watch on nasa.gov/live.
Credit: NASA Wallops/Patrick Black
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