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After launching to orbit atop the Antares rocket on Sept. 18, the first ever Cygnus cargo spacecraft is chasing the ISS and set to dock on Sept 22. Until then you have the opportunity to track it in the night skies. This full scale, high fidelity mockup of the Orbital Sciences/Thales Alenia Cygnus gives a feel for it being similar in size to a small room. Credit: Ken Kremer (kenkremer.com)STORY UPDATED: FURTHER DETAILS AND PHOTOS - AND NASA TV LINK TO LIVE DOCKING COVERAGE WALLOPS ISLAND, VA - Following Wednesday morning's (Sept. 18) spectacular blastoff of the Antares rocket with the commercial Cygnus resupply spacecraft, sky watchers now have a very limited window of opportunity to spot the maiden Cygnus chasing down the International Space Station (ISS) in the early morning skies before it arrives for the historic 1st rendezvous and docking on Sunday morning, Sept 22. So between now and early Sunday you have the chance to gaze skywards and see and photograph history's first Earth orbiting Cygnus hunting the ISS and gradually close in for the delicate coupling maneuver. Here's our guide on 'How to Spot Cygnus'. Sighting opportunities are available worldwide from at least North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa according to NASA's 'Spot the Station' website - here. See more websites listed below. UPDATE 4 A.M. SUNDAY SEPT 22- Cygnus Rendezvous Delayed 48 Hours due to communications glitchUPDATE SEPT 23: delayed to no earlier than Saturday due to Soyuz launch on Wednesday. Thus more chances to view!(...)Read the rest of How to Spot Commercial Cygnus Craft Chasing ISS for Sept. 22 Coupling (1,119 words)
(c) Ken Kremer for Universe Today, 2013. Permalink No comment Post tags: Antares rocket, Commercial Space, COTS, Cygnus capsule, International Space Station (ISS), ISS, NASA, Orbital Sciences Corporation Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh
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