Photos: Orbital Sciences' 1st Cygnus Cargo Mission to Space Station

Maximum Elevation Map of Antares Launch, Dec. 18, 2013

This map shows the maximum elevation (degrees above the horizon) that Antares will reach depending on your location, Dec. 18, 2013.

Time of First Sighting Map of Antares Launch, Dec. 18, 2013.

This map shows the rough time at which you can first expect to see Antares after it is launched on Dec. 18, 2013. It represents the time at which the rocket will reach 5 degrees above the horizon and varies depending on your location.

Orbital Sciences Cygnus "Spaceship C. Gordon Fullerton"

Orbital Sciences Cygnus spacecraft, the "Spaceship C. Gordon Fullerton," is seen in July 2013 after arriving at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia for pre-launch processing.

Lifting Antares onto the TEL, Dec. 9, 2013

Antares was lifted onto the Transporter/Erector/Launcher (TEL) on Dec. 9, 2013. The TEL acts as a support structure as Antares is transported on the approximately 1 mile route from the HIF to Pad 0A. Preparations for next week's launch scheduled for Dec. 18 continue at the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) on Wallops Island, VA.

NASA Photo of Antares Lift to TEL

Antares was lifted onto the Transporter/Erector/Launcher (TEL) on Dec. 9, 2013. The TEL acts as a support structure as Antares is transported on the approximately 1 mile route from the HIF to Pad 0A. Preparations for next week's launch scheduled for Dec. 18 continue at the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) on Wallops Island, VA.

Artist's Rendition of Orbital Sciences' Cygnus Cargo Spacecraft

Artist's rendition of Orbital Sciences' Cygnus cargo spacecraft in orbit, on its way to the International Space Station (ISS).

Private Antares Rocket & Cygnus Spacecraft Explained (Infographic)

How Orbital Sciences' Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft service the space station. See how Orbital's Cygnus spacecraft and Antares rockets works in this infographic.