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Pegasus XL

Pegasus familyOrbital Sciences CorporationActive

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.

Pegasus XL vehicle

Specifications

Thrust
580 kN
Height
17.6 m
Diameter
1.27 m
Launch mass
23 t
Stages
3
Launch cost
$40M
LEO capacity
443 kg
GTO capacity
0 kg

Specifications from Launch Library. Figures the operator has not published are omitted.

Flight record

32flightswith a definitive outcome
90.6%success rate29 of 32
26success streakcurrent

Counted from padside's own launch record, the same basis as the stats page.

Flights

5 of 32

All 32 flights