Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON)Pegasus XL Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Launch Status Success Thu ยท Oct 10th, 2019 10:00 PM - 10:55 PM EDT Watch Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21X5lGlDOfg Mission Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) Type: Earth Science Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) is a NASA mission to study Earth's thermosphere and ionosphere and the connection between space weather and weather on our planet. Mission is planned to last for two years. Location Cape Canaveral 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 Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Type: Commercial Abbreviation: NGIS Administration: CEO: Wesley G. Bush Founded: 2015 Launchers: Antares | Minotaur | Pegasus Spacecraft: Cygnus Country: USA Northrup Grumman Innovation Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defence and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. They aquired Orbital ATK in 2018 along with its launchers and ongoing missions. Antares launches from Wallops in Virginia. Minotaur has many launch sites, with the most active now being Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Pegasus is an air launched vehicle from an aircraft and so has many launch locations. View Rocket Launch Schedule