Northrop Grumman Space Systems Swift Boost Mission Pegasus XL
Weather Forecast During Launch
The forecast calls for a temperature of 83°F, light rain, 100% cloud cover, a wind speed of 11mph and 0.79in of rain.
Rocket Launch Timeline
Track every phase of the rocket launch with our detailed mission timeline. From T-minus countdown events and pre-launch preparations through liftoff, stage separation, and orbital insertion, follow each critical milestone in real-time. Our comprehensive launch sequence timeline includes payload integration, propellant loading, engine ignition, and post-launch telemetry tracking.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| T+ 00 : 00 : 00 | Liftoff First upwards movement of the rocket |
| T+ 00 : 00 : 05 | Ignition Start of the engine ignition sequence |
| T+ 00 : 01 : 19 | MECO Cut-off of the main engine |
| T+ 00 : 01 : 35 | SES Start of the second engine |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 17 | Fairing Separation Separation of the payload fairing |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 50 | SECO Cut-off of the second engine |
| T+ 00 : 06 : 35 | Stage 3 Ignition Third stage engine ignites. |
| T+ 00 : 07 : 44 | Stage 3 Cutoff Third stage engine shuts down. |
| T+ 00 : 12 : 44 | Payload Separation Final deployment of the payload from the rocket |
About the Swift Boost Mission Mission
| Type | Mission Extension |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $40,000,000 |
Contracted by NASA under the Small Business Innovation Research Phase 3 contract, Katalyst Space Technologies' LINK servicing spacecraft will rendezvous and attach to NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to re-boost its orbit. This aims to demonstrate a key capability for the future of space exploration and extending the Swift mission’s science lifetime in gamma ray astronomy.
Launch Pad & Location
Kwajalein Atoll
Air launch to orbit
| Launches | 5 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 5 |
| Total Launches | 52 |
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.
Learn more about the Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL Rocket
About 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL Swift Boost Mission launch scheduled?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL Swift Boost Mission launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL Swift Boost Mission mission launch from?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL rocket launched from Kwajalein Atoll at Air launch to orbit.
What rocket was used for the Swift Boost Mission mission?
The Swift Boost Mission mission launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Space Systems 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 Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL Swift Boost Mission launch?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL Swift Boost Mission 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 Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL Swift Boost Mission launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Northrop Grumman Space Systems Pegasus XL launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Swift Boost Mission 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 Northrop Grumman Space Systems live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
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