spacetoday.net: Software problem delays Cygnus arrival at ISS

Posted: Sun, Sep 22, 2013, 9:42 AM ET (1342 GMT)
Cygnus approaching ISS illustration (Orbital Sciences Corp.)

A software glitch with Orbital Science's Cygnus cargo spacecraft will postpone its arrival at the International Space Station until at least Tuesday, the company said early Sunday. According to a company statement, Cygnus established a direct data link with the station early Sunday but found a discrepancy in the data it received from the station. Engineers are working on a software fix to address the issue, and the company said the next opportunity to attempt an approach to the station is on Tuesday because of orbital mechanics. Cygnus, launched Wednesday on an Antares rocket, is making its first test flight to the station to demonstrate its ability to deliver cargo to the outpost. No other problems had been reported with the spacecraft since its launch.