Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON)
Pegasus XL
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
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.
Rocket
Pegasus XL – Orbital Sciences Corporation
Family: Pegasus
Length: 17.6 m
Diameter: 1.27 m
Launch Mass: 23 T
Low Earth Orbit Capacity: 443 kg
The Pegasus XL was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation with the first launch on 1994-06-27. Pegasus XL has 28 successful launches and 3 failed launches with a total of 31 launches. 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
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Type: Commercial
Abbreviation: NGSS
Administration: CEO: Kathy Warden
Founded: 2015
Launchers: Antares | Minotaur | Pegasus
Spacecraft: Cygnus
Country: USA
Northrup Grumman Space 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.
