Success
Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)
Astrophysics
Orbital Sciences Corporation(OSC)Commercial
Pegasus XL
LEOorbit
Designed to image high-energy X-ray radiation, the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is tasked with surveying regions surrounding the center of own Milky Way Galaxy and performing deep observations of the extragalactic sky, studying black holes and supernovas.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Replay
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#5,223
OSC Mission
#64
Pad Launch
#4
Location Launch
#41
Designator
2012-031
Launch Window
NET
Jun 13, 2012, 4:00 PM
Schedule Changes
1 update
Pegasus XL Specs
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.
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
1994
Fastest Turnaround
6d 6h
Total Launches
31
Successful
28
Failed
3
Consecutive Success
25
Maiden flight: Jun 27, 1994
Air launch to orbit
Total Launches
51
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
8.7167, 167.7333
