Pegasus HAPS (Orbital Sciences Corporation)
The Pegasus HAPS is a non-reusable, inactive launch vehicle manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It undertook its inaugural launch on 07/17/1991.
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 HAPS Specifications
| Variant | HAPS |
|---|---|
| Length | 15.5 m |
| Diameter | 1.28 m |
| Stages | 5 |
| Launch Mass | 18 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 580 kN |
| Apogee | 4000 km |
| LEO Capacity | 250 kg |
Pegasus HAPS Launch Record
| Total Launches | 2 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 2 |
| Consecutive Successful Launches | 2 |