Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)

Mission

Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)

Type: Astrophysics

Designed to image high-energy X-ray radiation, the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is tasked with surveying regions surrounding the center of own Milky Way Galaxy and performing deep observations of the extragalactic sky, studying black holes and supernovas.

Location

Kwajalein Atoll

Air launch to orbit

45 rockets have launched from Air launch to orbit.

Rocket

Pegasus XL

Length: 17.6 meters
Diameter: 1.27 meters
First Launch: 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

Country: USA