Orbital Attempt
#4,205
OSC Mission
#20
Pad Launch
#3
Location Launch
#18
Designator
1997-084
Dec 23, 1997, 7:11 PM
Second
1 update
Total Launches
51
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
37.9386, -75.4572
The Pegasus is an air-launched rocket developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now part of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems). Capable of carrying small payloads of up to 443 kilograms (977 lb) into low Earth orbit, the vehicle consists of three solid propellant stages and an optional monopropellant fourth stage. Pegasus is released from its carrier aircraft at approximately 40,000 ft (12,000 m), and its first stage has a wing and a tail to provide lift and attitude control while in the atmosphere. The HAPS variant adds a Hydrazine Auxiliary Propulsion System maneuvering stage.
Length
17.6 m
Diameter
1.27 m
Launch Mass
23 t
Thrust
580 kN
LEO Capacity
443 kg
GTO Capacity
0 kg
Launch Cost
$40M
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1997
Fastest Turnaround
1mo 21d
Total Launches
5
Successful
5
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
5
Maiden flight: Dec 23, 1997