Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST)Pegasus XL Orbital Sciences Corporation Launch Status Success Wed ยท Aug 21st, 1996 5:47 AM EDT Location Vandenberg Air Force Base Air launch to orbit 44 launches have been at this location. Rocket Pegasus XL Length: 17.6 meters Diameter: 1.27 meters First Launched: June 27, 1994 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 Pegasus XL rocket has been launched a total of 29 times with 26 successful and 3 failed launches. Agency Orbital Sciences Corporation Type: Commercial Abbreviation: OSC Administration: Founded: Launchers: Spacecraft: Country: USA View Rocket Launch Schedule