Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)
Pegasus XL
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)
- Type: Heliophysics
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- Launch Cost: $40,000,000
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a NASA Small Explorer Mission to observe how solar material moves, gathers energy, and heats up as it travels through a little-understood region in the sun's lower atmosphere.
Location
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Air launch to orbit
Vandenberg Space Force Base has witnessed the launch of 22 rockets, including 22 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch scheduled?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch video?
You can watch the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission launch from?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base at Air launch to orbit.
What rocket was used for the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission?
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission launched aboard a Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Orbital Sciences Corporation live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
