Aerojet Rocketdyne has announced that its propulsion helped position Orbital Sciences Corporation's (ORB) Cygnus cargo logistics spacecraft for a successful berthing with the International Space Station (ISS).

Following in-orbit activation shortly after launch on Sept. 18, Cygnus carried out a series of tests and maneuvers using 32 Aerojet Rocketdyne MR-106M 7 lbf monopropellant hydrazine thrusters to demonstrate its readiness to rendezvous and berth with the ISS.

"This success marks a great milestone for the entire Cygnus team," said Aerojet Rocketdyne Vice President of Space Systems, Warren Yasuhara.

"Our thrusters, designed and manufactured by our Redmond, Washington team, were used to maneuver Cygnus near the ISS for capture by the Canadarm. Following its 30-day mission, Cygnus will rely on our thrusters to also power the vehicle's departure from the ISS."

Named after former NASA astronaut and Orbital executive, the Cygnus Spaceship G. David Low consists of a common Service Module and a Pressurized Cargo Module. After delivery of supplies to the ISS, Cygnus will be packed with disposal cargo and destructively deorbit.

This Commercial Orbital Transportation (COTS) demonstration mission marked the second successful flight of Orbital's Antares rocket that is powered by dual Aerojet Rocketdyne AJ26 main engines.