OA-9

Mission: An Orbital ATK Antares rocket will lift the ninth operational Cygnus cargo resupply spacecraft into orbit for a mission to the International Space Station. The OA-9 mission will carry over three metric tons of cargo to the International Space Station as the first of two planned Orbital-ATK resupply missions in 2018 under an extension to the original Commercial Resupply Services contract to bridge a gap until CRS-2 enters operations. The Antares rocket will be flying in its upgraded 230 configuration with a pair of RD-181 engines powering its first stage and a Castor 30XL acting as second stage to lift the 6,200-Kilogram spacecraft into orbit.

Rocket: The Antares rocket is an three stage, expendable rocket by the private company Orbital ATK. It is able to launch payloads of 6500 kg (14.300 Ib) to LEO.It was first launched on April 23rd 2013. In 2008, NASA awarded Orbital ATK Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS), to deliver cargo to the ISS. This is the 3rd launch of the 230 version and the 8th launch of the Antares rocket.

First Stage: The first stage of the rocket burns RP-1 (Kerosene) and LOX (liquid Oxigen). The Antares 200 and 300 first stages are powered by two RD-181 engines, which provide 440 kilonewtons (100,000 lbf). It burns for approximately 215 seconds.

Second Stage: The second stage is powered by an Orbital ATK Castor 30-series solid-fuel rocket. It produces 293.4 kN (65,960 lb_f) average and 395.7 kN (88,960 lb_f) maximum thrust. It burns for approximately 156 seconds.

Third Stage: There is an optional third stage that can be used to increase payload capability and provide accurate insertion capabilities for high energy insertions.

Fairing: The fairing measures 3.9 meters in diameter and 9.9 meters in height. It jettisons after reaching space.

Cost: Approximately 80-85 million US$ per launch.