In this image from video provided by NASA the Cygnus spacecraft resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station early Sunday Jan. 12, 2013. Cygnus is expected to arrive on the station later this morning. The spacecraft is packed with 3,000 pounds of equipment and experiments provided by NASA, as well as food and even some ants for an educational project. Christmas presents also are on board for the six space station residents; the delivery is a month late. (AP Photo/NASA)
January 12, 2014 - 3:22 AM
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Christmas has finally arrived for the six space station astronauts.
A privately launched supply ship arrived at the International Space Station on Sunday morning, three days after blasting off from Virginia. The space station crew used a hefty robot arm to capture the Cygnus capsule.
The Cygnus is carrying 3,000 pounds of equipment and experiments, including ants for an educational project. Also on board: eagerly awaited Christmas presents for all six spacemen.
Orbital Sciences Corp. was supposed to make the delivery last month, well before Christmas. But the Virginia company had to wait a month. A space station breakdown in mid-December took priority, and NASA bumped the flight to January. Then frigid weather at the launch site forced a delay. Then a strong solar storm interfered.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014