Gaia Observatory Ends Data Collection After 10.5 Years; Damaged Cygnus Module Delays ISS Cargo Mission

The Gaia space observatory, after 10.5 years of mapping nearly two billion stars, has depleted its cold gas supply and will transition to a heliocentric orbit on March 27, 2025. While data collection ceases, analysis continues with Data Release 4 expected in 2026 and a final catalog by 2030. Meanwhile, NASA and Northrop Grumman have postponed the NG-22 Cygnus cargo mission to the ISS due to damage to the spacecraft's Pressurized Cargo Module. The next mission, NG-23, is slated for this fall. The delay prompts NASA to adjust cargo on the upcoming SpX-32 Dragon mission, prioritizing crew supplies and station hardware. Sierra Space anticipates its first Dream Chaser launch by the end of summer, pending ISS schedule and vehicle testing, while JAXA aims to launch its updated HTV-X cargo vehicle this fall.