Rocket
Pegasus XL
Orbital Sciences Corporation · United States
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.
- Manufacturer
- Orbital Sciences Corporation
- First flight
- June 27, 1994
- Launches
- 32
- Successful
- 29
- Failed
- 3
- Success rate
- 90.6%
- Height
- 17.6 m
- Diameter
- 1.27 m
- Liftoff mass
- 23 t
- Payload to low Earth orbit
- 443 kg
- Reusable
- no