In Photos: Orbital ATK's OA-8 Cygnus Cargo Launch to Space Station

By Christine Lunsford, Space.com Contributor | November 12, 2017 08:28am ET

A Swan Rises

On Nov. 12, 2017, an Orbital ATK Antares rocket launched a Cygnus cargo ship on the OA-8 resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA. See photos of the stunning launch and delivery here. See launch video and read our wrap story here.

This Photo: The Antares rocket lifts off from Pad 0A at the Wallops Flight Facility.

Into the Sky

Orbital ATK's Antares rocket soars into the early morning sky after a successful liftoff from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia.

Liftoff!

Orbital ATK launched the Antares rocket at 7:19 a.m. EST (1119 GMT), about five minutes later than planned to ensure a pair of boats were not in a restricted zone near the launch site. The launch was also delayed one day after a plane flew inside the restricted airspace around Pad 0A at the last minute.

Morning Launch

This stunning view shows the view of Antares' launch just after daybreak on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Sunrise occurred at 6:39 a.m. EST at the spaceport, less than an hour before liftoff.

Streaking to Space

The second time was the charm, though, for Orbital ATK's launch. Here, the Antares rocket streaks toward space carrying Cygnus toward the International Space Station.

Riding Fire

NASA photographer Bill Ingalls captured this view of the fiery plume of exhaust from Antares' twin RD-181 engines on its first stage.

Ready to Fly

On Nov. 10, 2017, the Orbital ATK Antares rocket with the Cygnus spacecraft sits on Launch Pad-0A at Wallops Flight Facility. The company's eighth contracted cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station is set to deliver nearly 7,400 pounds of equipment.

Up into Position

On Nov. 9, 2017, the Antares rocket with Cygnus spacecraft slowly makes its way to vertical in preparation for the upcoming launch. The mission is set to carry science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the International Space Station.

Across the Grounds

At Launch Pad-0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft are prepared to begin the rise to vertical. The space vehicle will launch soon on Orbital ATK's eighth contracted cargo mission to the International Space Station with over 7,000 pounds of equipment for the astronauts.

Doing Work

Orbital ATK Mechanical Technician Phil Kauthen drives the Antares rocket from the HIF to Launch Pad-0A utilizing the transporter.

No Turning Back

A sign directs drivers to Launch Pad-0A.

Time to Reflect

A puddle left by recent rainfall reflects the Antares rocket, with Cygnus spacecraft, aboard the transporter as it leaves the Horizontal Integration Facility at Wallops.

Point of No Return

The Antares rocket, aboard the transporter, crosses into the launch area in preparation for Orbital ATK's eighth contracted cargo resupply with NASA.

Moving Along

The Antares rocket continues its journey to the International Space Station on the road to Launch Pad-0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility.

Getting on the Road

The transporter is steered onto the road to the launchpad carrying the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft. The Orbital ATK 8 mission will carry 7,400 pounds of gear to the International Space Station.

Rollout Begins

Driving the Antares rocket atop the transporter, Orbital ATK Mechanical Technician Phil Kauthen moves the assembly out of the Horizontal Integration Facility.

Teamwork

Technicians ready the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft for the journey from the Horizontal Integration Facility to Launch Pad-0A at Wallops Flight Facility.