The Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft docks with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, September 18, as part of the NASA-managed resupply mission operated by Northrop Grumman.

NASA astronauts use the station’s robotic arm to attach the spacecraft to the Unity module for unloading.

The craft carries more than 11,000 pounds of supplies, research equipment and scientific experiments for the orbiting laboratory. It includes provisions, materials for growing crystals used in electronics and medicine, equipment to improve fuel tanks, and a UV system designed to keep water clean.

Launched from Cape Canaveral on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the mission marks the first flight of the larger, upgraded Cygnus XL. The spacecraft is named in honour of NASA astronaut William 'Willie' McCool, who died in the 2003 Columbia disaster.