SpaceX rival preparing Cygnus spacecraft for ISS cargo mission

The Cygnus spacecraft is in competition with SpaceX's Dragon capsule to conduct cargo supply missions for NASA. Cygnus is set to launch from Wallops Island, Virginia, later this year on a trial mission to the International Space Station.

What type of mission is the Cygnus spacecraft undertaking this year?

What is the significance of the International Space Station in relation to the Cygnus spacecraft?