Orbital View: Photo Bomb
Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021.
Cygnus, named for a swan-like constellation, is a NASA spacecraft that carries thousands of pounds of supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The craft arrived at the orbital station in December aboard an Atlas V rocket—a mix of Russian and American technology manufactured by United Launch Alliance, a private aerospace company.
Here it is approaching the ISS last month:
What a cute little guy.
About the Author
Marina Koren is a former staff writer at The Atlantic.