Pegasus family
Pegasus XL HAPS
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.
Pegasus XL HAPS is built by Orbital Sciences Corporation of the United States. Company background, funding, contracts and news for this operator are tracked on Space Index. It first flew on 23 December 1997.
Flight record
Payload
| Low Earth orbit | 443kg |
|---|---|
| Launch cost | $40M |
| Cost per kg to LEO | $90,293 |
Vehicle
| Stages | 4 |
|---|---|
| Length | 17.6m |
| Diameter | 1.27m |
| Launch mass | 23t |
| Liftoff thrust | 580kN |
| Maiden flight | 1997-12-23 |
| Reusable | No |
Launch history
| Date | Mission | Pad | Orbit | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-12-04 | Pegasus XL HAPS | Orbcomm-D2 - D8 | Wallops Flight Facility | Success | |
| 1999-05-18 | Pegasus XL HAPS | MUBLCOM & TERRIERS | Vandenberg Space Force Base | Success | |
| 1998-09-23 | Pegasus XL HAPS | Orbcomm-C1 - C8 | Wallops Flight Facility | Success | |
| 1998-08-02 | Pegasus XL HAPS | Orbcomm-B1 - B8 | Wallops Flight Facility | Success | |
| 1997-12-23 | Pegasus XL HAPS | Orbcomm-A1 - A8 | Wallops Flight Facility | Success |
Specifications from Launch Library 2 by The Space Devs, launch records from Space Index. Derived figures are computed here; see sources and method.
Further reading: Wikipedia