OSC Pegasus XL ST-5 FWD
Pegasus XL
Status
Success
Date
22 MAR 2006
14:03
Launch Provider
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Launch Pad
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Air launch to orbit
Mission Overview
NASA's three micro-sats were launched to test and validate new technologies for future science missions. ST5's objective was to demonstrate and flight qualify several innovative technologies and concepts for application to future space missions.
Rocket
Pegasus XL
Mission Type
Test Flight
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit
Stages
3
Livestream
Not availableRocket 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
