ENGINE TROUBLE FORCES NORTHROP GRUMMAN TO DELAY SPACE STATION SUPPLY MISSION

Northrop Grumman has postponed its latest resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) after engineers discovered engine trouble in the Antares rocket slated to carry cargo to orbit.

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The delay is the latest setback for a program that has long been central to keeping the orbiting laboratory stocked with food, equipment, and science experiments.

A CRITICAL SUPPLY RUN PUT ON HOLD

The mission, designated NG-21, was scheduled to launch from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and deliver more than 8,000 pounds of supplies to the ISS. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft was already loaded with food, crew provisions, and materials for dozens of scientific investigations when the issue was identified during prelaunch checks.

Northrop Grumman confirmed that the Antares rocket's first-stage engines showed performance anomalies in final testing, prompting officials to halt the countdown. Engineers are now working with NASA to assess whether repairs can be completed quickly or if the rocket must be replaced.

THE ANTARES CHALLENGE