Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes

NASA is a leader in working with other countries in space, partnering with over 100 nations. When NASA works with big international space groups like ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and ISRO (India), it shows that more and more countries are cooperating peacefully in space. This teamwork is really important for tackling problems that affect everyone, like protecting Earth from asteroids or cleaning up space junk.

In this article, we will learn about the Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) mission which will explore more about International Space Station (ISS), capturing vital data that will support future exploration, human habitation, or satellite operations.

• Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) was successfully launched by NASA on January 9, 2014 (as Orb-1; Cygnus CRS OA-1 was technically first after demo), opening the door to unprecedented space insights.  
• The principal objective set forth for this venture is to Commercial cargo resupply mission to ISS by Orbital Sciences (now Northrop Grumman). This focus ensures that the mission will deliver high-impact results relevant to pressing global challenges or fundamental scientific inquiries.  
• The detailed discussions after the ISS commercial cargo resupply provided very useful lessons for missions in the future.  
• For this historic journey, the powerful Antares 120 was selected because it was a well-known and dependable rocket at the time. 
• Liftoff occurred at Wallops Flight Facility, Pad 0A, kicking off the mission. 
• From start to finish, the mission ran for ~36 days (berthed to ISS). 
• The operation was carried out under the leadership of NASA (customer), Orbital Sciences/Northrop Grumman (provider). 
• It wrapped up with a status of Completed (Successful). 
• The cost of Part of CRS contract with NASA was dedicated to NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1), enhancing data collection and mission autonomy. 

NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) includes Pressurized cargo for ISS, research experiments, designed to improve navigation, data collection, and environmental monitoring.

Commercial expendable cargo spacecraft, rendezvous with ISS enabled Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) Space mission helps UPSC aspirants understand the full life cycle of a modern space mission which is relevant for GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, GS Paper 4, and Essay.

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NASA Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) Space Mission Overview 

Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) – Space Mission Profile for UPSC
Target Celestial Body	International Space Station (ISS)
Launch Date	January 9, 2014 (as Orb-1; Cygnus CRS OA-1 was technically first after demo)
Objective	Commercial cargo resupply mission to ISS by Orbital Sciences (now Northrop Grumman)
Mission Type	ISS commercial cargo resupply
Launch Vehicle	Antares 120
Launch Site	Wallops Flight Facility, Pad 0A
Mission Duration	~36 days (berthed to ISS)
Agencies Involved	NASA (customer), Orbital Sciences/Northrop Grumman (provider)
Mission Status	Completed (Successful)
Estimated Cost	Part of CRS contract with NASA
Proposal Date	COTS program initiated mid-2000s; CRS contract followed
New Instruments/Payloads	Pressurized cargo for ISS, research experiments
Key Technologies Used	Commercial expendable cargo spacecraft, rendezvous with ISS

Also, Checkout Sunita Williams’ Missions to the International Space Station

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Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) Space Mission Global Contributions

Developed with support from ISS international partners benefit from cargo, Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) reflects the growing importance of global partnerships in space technology.

• Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) utilized Cargo from NASA and potentially other ISS partners to test cutting-edge instruments and gather critical data in real-time. 
• Orbital Sciences/Northrop Grumman (developed/operated Cygnus and Antares) played a vital role in building and launching the mission, contributing to its overall success. 
• By implementing Mission data related to cargo delivery shared with NASA, NASA enabled real-time data exchange and cooperative research throughout the mission. 
• Through Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1), NASA underscored its leadership by achieving Expanded commercial ISS resupply capability with second provider, encouraging updates to international space guidelines. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact
International Partners	ISS international partners benefit from cargo
Payload Contributions	Cargo from NASA and potentially other ISS partners
Commercial Involvement	Orbital Sciences/Northrop Grumman (developed/operated Cygnus and Antares)
Data Sharing Agreements	Mission data related to cargo delivery shared with NASA
Impact on Global Space Policy	Expanded commercial ISS resupply capability with second provider

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Challenges & Risk in Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) Space Mission

• Among the primary risk factors for Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) was First operational cargo flight for this provider (after demo), which was identified early and strategically resolved. 
• The sustainability outcome of Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) is characterized by its Cygnus spacecraft burns up on reentry as planned, aligning with modern space stewardship practices. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges
Risk & Mitigation Log	First operational cargo flight for this provider (after demo)
Environmental & Sustainability Footprint	Cygnus spacecraft burns up on reentry as planned
Challenges Faced	N/A for this specific mission (Orb-D1 had earlier berthing issue)

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Mission Timeline of Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1) NASA Space Mission

• COTS program initiated mid-2000s; CRS contract followed marks the date when the mission was first approved for consideration. 
• Completion of the landing/flyby on January 12, 2014 (Berthing); February 19, 2014 (Destructive reentry) enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked February 19, 2014 (End of mission) as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones
Proposal Date	COTS program initiated mid-2000s; CRS contract followed
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A for specific mission (part of vehicle certification)
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	January 9, 2014 (as Orb-1; Cygnus CRS OA-1 was technically first after demo)
Landing / Flyby Date	January 12, 2014 (Berthing); February 19, 2014 (Destructive reentry)
End of Primary Mission Date	February 19, 2014 (End of mission)

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UPSC Relevance of Northrop Grumman CRS-1 Cygnus (Orb-1 / NG-1)

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• Topics related to NASA’s planetary missions and advanced space technologies are highly relevant to GS Paper 3, which covers developments in science and technology.
• GS Paper 4 of the UPSC IAS Exam could present ethical dilemmas regarding public spending on high-risk scientific missions, using NASA’s funding strategies to evaluate responsible resource use.
• In the UPSC CSE Optional Papers, topics from NASA Space Missions are highly relevant across disciplines, offering insights into global cooperation, technological ethics, and environmental impacts—useful for Geography, PSIR, and Philosophy optionals alike.

Also, Learn about International Space Station (ISS)

Past UPCS Mains PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022, GS Paper 3) 

Q2. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (2017, GS Paper 1)

Q3. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, GS Paper 2)

Past UPCS Prelims PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1 [2022]: Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Answer: (c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Explanation: While this question pertains to a military concept, NASAs research into orbital mechanics and space trajectories contributes to the broader understanding of such technologies.

Q2 [2020]: “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to:

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) Lisa Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d) Evolved LISA

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a space-based gravitational wave observatory developed by ESA with contributions from NASA.

Q3 [2017]: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

(a) To detect neutrinos

(b) To detect gravitational waves

(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

Explanation: Evolved Laser Space Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA) project was widely in the news due to the discovery of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector and the subsequent success of the LISA pathfinder project. The European Space Agency is leading the ELISA mission. The project is initiated to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Answer: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
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Explanation: GL-10 is a remotely piloted plane similar to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It is a battery-powered 10-engine with a wingspan of 3.05 meters. Eight electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on the tail. It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilograms at takeoff. Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability, it produces less noise. It can be used as a UAV for small package delivery or vertical takeoff and landing, as well as long-endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping, and other applications. Its modified scaled-up version can be used as a persons air vehicle.

Q5 [2015]: The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

(b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

Answer: (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

Explanation: The Goldilocks Zone is the livable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on a planet. It is a metaphor for the childrens story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which a young girl selects from sets of three objects, eschewing the extremes (such as those that are enormous or small, hot or cold) and fixing on the one that is just right in the middle. The Goldilocks zone of the Sun surrounds the Earth. All of Earths water would freeze if it were found where the dwarf planet Pluto is; however, all of Earths water would boil out if it were found where Mercury is.

Also, Get to Know What was NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

UPSC Practice Questions on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Hayabusa-2 space mission belongs to which space agency?
1. JAXA
2. NASA
3. C. N. S. A
4. ISRO
Answer: JAXA
Solution: The Hayabusa-2 space mission belongs to JAXA space agency. In December 2014, JAXA launched Hayabusa-2 to collect samples from Ryugu. Hayabusa-2 is a Japanese spacecraft that studied the asteroid Ryugu, took samples, and returned them to Earth for analysis.

Q2. Consider the following statements:
1. ESA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART mission on 11 October 2022.
2. Terming the test successful, the agency said, the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroids motion in Space.
3. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only 1
2. Both 1 and 3
3. Both 2 and 3
4. All 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Both 2 and 3
Solution: NASA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART mission on 11 October 2022. Terming the test successful, the agency said, the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroids motion in Space. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology. This is the first time humanity has altered the motion of a celestial body.

Q3. With reference to Astrosat, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously.
2. It is a multi-institute collaborative project, involving NASA, ISRO, JAXA and European Space Agency.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 1 only
Solution: AstroSat was launched on 28 September 2015 by ISRO into a near-Earth equatorial orbit. AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. The payloads cover the energy bands of Ultraviolet Near and Far, limited optical and X-ray regime. One of the unique features of the AstroSat mission is that it enables the simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects with a single satellite.

Q4. Which of the following made an out-of-this-world discovery: a giant red planet outside the solar system?
1. Spitzer Space Telescope
2. Kepler Space Telescope
3. Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer
4. James Webb Space Telescope
Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope made another out-of-this-world discovery: a giant red planet outside the solar system. The study is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The planet is considered to be a young planet at only 150 million years old and that's why the sky appeared turbulent. It also discovered clear detections of water, methane, and carbon monoxide.

Q5. Which country's space agency has launched project DART Mission?
1. USA
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
Answer: USA
Solution: NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART is the world's first full-scale mission to test technology for defending Earth against potential asteroid or comet hazards. Launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, DART is the first-ever mission dedicated to investigating and demonstrating one method of asteroid deflection by changing an asteroids motion in space through kinetic impact.

Q6. The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping SWIM project is a significant initiative carried out by NASA. Which of the following statements correctly describes this project?
1. SWIM is a project aimed at mapping water vapor in the atmosphere of Venus, designed to study the greenhouse effect and its implications for global warming.
2. SWIM is an operation focused on finding and mapping subsurface water ice on Mars, which would be essential in planning future manned missions to the Red Planet.
3. SWIM is an initiative to map potential subsurface water ice reservoirs on Jupiter's moon Europa, as part of the search for possible extraterrestrial life.
4. SWIM is a study intended to locate and map potential subsurface lakes of liquid methane on Saturn's moon Titan, to understand its peculiar climate and geology.
Answer: option 2
Solution: The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping SWIM project is an initiative launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA of the United States. The project's fundamental objective is to locate and map subsurface water ice on Mars. It aims to support future human exploration missions to Mars. Knowing the location of sufficient water resources could aid in providing necessary supplies for maintaining life, deriving oxygen, and even producing fuel for spacecraft.

Q7. Consider the following statements about the XPoSat satellite:
1. The XPoSat was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission.
2. This mission makes India the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite.
3. XPoSat carries two payloads, named POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: option 2
Solution: XPoSat X-ray Polarimeter Satellite is India's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. The successful launch of the XPoSAT put India in an elite category as it has become the second nation to send an observatory to study astronomical sources such as black holes, neutron stars among others. XPoSat is only the second X-ray polarimetry mission in the world, after NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer IXPE launched in 2021.

Q8. What is the name of the SpaceX mission that aims to test new space technologies and involve a spacewalk by non-government astronauts?
1. Polaris Dawn
2. Inspiration4
3. Starship Alpha
4. Artemis 4
Answer: Polaris Dawn
Solution: SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, launching August 26, 2024, will send a private crew, including Jared Isaacman, to altitudes of 870 miles, entering Earth's radiation belts. The mission will involve a unique pre-breathe process to prepare the crew for the spacewalk.

Q9. What is the name of the SpaceX mission that launched a private astronaut crew to orbit Earth from pole to pole?
1. Crew Dragon
2. Falcon 9
3. Fram2
4. DragonX
Answer: Fram2
Solution: SpaceX launched a private astronaut crew on the Fram2 mission, a unique polar-orbiting mission. The mission marked a novel trajectory, where the astronauts orbited Earth from pole to pole, a path previously untraveled by humans. During the mission, the astronauts participated in 22 research experiments focused on the effects of spaceflight on the human body.

Q10. The term Fram2, recently seen in the news, refers to:
1. A private polar-orbiting space mission aimed at flying over both the North and South Poles
2. A quantum computing platform launched by NASA for climate modeling
3. A deep-sea expedition to explore the Mariana Trench
4. An AI-based weather prediction system launched by WMO
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Fram2 is a private polar-orbiting space mission that aims to orbit Earth from pole to pole a trajectory never previously attempted in commercial spaceflight. The mission is named after the legendary Fram ship, which was used in early Arctic and Antarctic explorations by explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen.

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Also, Read about Axiom 4 Mission (Ax-4) for UPSC