Pegasus XL Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)
Pegasus XL
Status
Success
Date
13 JUN 2012
16:00
Mission Overview
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.
Rocket
Pegasus XL
Mission Type
Astrophysics
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit
Stages
3
Livestream
Rocket Details
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.
Height
17.6 m
Diameter
1.27 m
Launch Mass
23 T
Thrust
580 kN
