Pegasus

OSC Pegasus Orbital Sciences Pegasus

Mission Profile

Pegasus was the world's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle and a revolutionary air-launched rocket, carried aloft beneath a modified aircraft before igniting its three solid stages at altitude to reach orbit. Developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, it stands 15.5 meters long and weighs 18,500 kg, generating 726 kN of thrust and placing up to 375 kg into low Earth orbit. First flying successfully in April 1990, Pegasus pioneered commercial launch services for small satellites and demonstrated unmatched operational flexibility by eliminating the need for a fixed launch pad — the carrier aircraft could take off from almost any runway to achieve a wide range of orbital inclinations. It remained in regular service for over three decades, making it one of the most enduring small satellite launchers in history.