On September 14, 2025 – NG-23, the first XL version of the Cygnus cargo module, was launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This launch marks a significant milestone in the evolution of resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS), thanks to the new XL configuration of Cygnus, designed to carry a larger volume of payloads.

With a capacity of 5,000 kg and a volume of 36 m³, the new Cygnus XL increases its transport capacity by 33%, enabling the delivery of more supplies to the space station, as part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program.

© Thales Alenia Space

Our teams in Thales Alenia Space, with commitment and dedication, worked to complete the manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM)-23, ensuring its on-time delivery to Northrop Grumman, as it is a critical component for maintaining the structural integrity and operation of the module during its resupply missions to the space station.

The Cygnus spacecraft comprises two main sections: a Service Module from Northrop Grumman and a Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM) developed and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space.

These resupply missions help sustain life during long-term space missions, with essential resources for crew supplies, operations and cutting-edge scientific research, including experiments that aim to upscale semiconductor production, explore alternative disinfection methods with UV light, and improve pharmaceuticals to treat cancer and other diseases.

© Thales Alenia Space

The NG-23 mission is named in honor of William "Willie" C. McCool, a naval aviator and NASA astronaut, who piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia on its final mission, STS-107 in 2003. Tragically, he and the crew perished on re-entry, 16 minutes before scheduled landing.

Since 2013, Cygnus has delivered over 71,000 kg of cargo to the space station , and with the new XL version, this capability is further enhanced to support even more ambitious space missions.

In Thales Alenia Space’s Turin plant, the primary structure of NG-24 has already been completed and is ready for testing this fall, while the PCM-25 is already in the welding phase.