Wide Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE)

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

Orbital Sciences Corporation – OSC

• Type: Commercial
• Abbreviation: OSC
• Country: USA