8 x CYGNSS
Pegasus XL
Orbital ATK
Mission
8 x CYGNSS
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $40,000,000
CYGNSS or Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System is a NASA developed system to improve hurricane forecasting. It is a constellation of 8 small observation satellites, 27.5 kg each, that will make accurate measurements of ocean surface winds in and near the eye of the storm throughout the lifecycle of tropical cyclones, typhoons & hurricanes.
Location
Cape Canaveral
Air launch to orbit
Cape Canaveral has witnessed the launch of 7 rockets, including 7 orbital launch attempts, while Air launch to orbit, has been the site for 51 rocket launches.
Rocket
Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL
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.
Agency
Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK Inc. was an American aerospace manufacturer and defense industry company. It was formed in 2015 from the merger of Orbital Sciences Corporation and parts of Alliant Techsystems. Orbital ATK was purchased by Northrop Grumman in 2018.
