The launch took place on January 30 at 12:07 p.m. Eastern Time from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Approximately 15 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9 deployed the Cygnus cargo spacecraft into orbit, marking a significant milestone for both companies involved. This launch marks the first time the Cygnus has been launched on a Falcon 9 rocket, as most previous missions utilized the Northrop Grumman Antares rocket.

Following the successful payload deployment, the Falcon 9's first stage made a remarkable return and safely landed at Cape Canaveral, completing its milestone tenth flight. This achievement is yet another testament to SpaceX's commitment to reusable rocket technology.

The Cygnus spacecraft, named "S.S. Patricia 'Patty' Hilliard Robertson" by Northrop, is expected to reach the ISS and be berthed by the Canadarm2 robotic arm on February 1. The spacecraft will remain at the space station for at least 100 days.

Loaded with a total cargo mass of 3,726 kilograms, the Cygnus will supply the ISS with essential crew provisions, various scientific investigations, and vehicle hardware. The research payloads encompass a wide range of studies, including biological research, demonstrations of a surgical robot system within the station, and Gitai-developed robotic arms outside the station.

Among the notable payloads is Hewlett Packard's Enterprise's Spaceborne Computer-2, an upgraded version designed to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to analyze data from other investigations on the ISS. The computer's enhanced operating system and four 30-terabyte solid-state drives will allow for faster processing and data analysis.

Additionally, LambdaVision, a company focused on manufacturing artificial retinas, is sending its ninth experiment to the ISS on the Cygnus spacecraft. The microgravity environment offers ideal conditions for refining the company's manufacturing process and exploring the possibility of future production of artificial retinas on the ISS or commercial successors.

The NG-20 mission also includes important vehicle hardware, such as a kit for the later installation of additional iROSA solar arrays outside the station. Spare parts for crucial components like the oxygen generator and exercise equipment are also part of the cargo, ensuring future repair capability.

Not to be forgotten, NASA has included a variety of fresh food items on the NG-20 mission to provide the crew with a diverse and appetizing menu, ranging from hazelnut spread to ice cream.

The successful launch of the Northrop Cygnus cargo spacecraft on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket further solidifies the partnership between the two companies and highlights the continuous progress being made in space exploration. As the Cygnus makes its way to the ISS, it carries with it the potential to contribute to groundbreaking scientific advancements and further humanity's understanding of space.