Odyssey (TacRL-2)
Pegasus XL
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Mission
Odyssey (TacRL-2)
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- Launch Cost: $40,000,000
Payload for the US Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Launch program. It is a space domain awareness satellite that was procured under the Space Force’s responsive launch program. The spacecraft was built in under a year and the launch provider was given three weeks of notice for the launch.
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.
Agency
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
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.
