Orbital ATK Pegasus XL 8 x CYGNSS
Pegasus XL
Status
Success
Date
15 DEC 2016
13:37
Mission Overview
CYGNSS or Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System is a NASA developed system to improve hurricane forecasting. It is a constellation of 8 small observation satellites, 27.5 kg each, that will make accurate measurements of ocean surface winds in and near the eye of the storm throughout the lifecycle of tropical cyclones, typhoons & hurricanes.
Rocket
Pegasus XL
Mission Type
Earth Science
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit
Stages
3
Livestream
Rocket Details
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.
Height
17.6 m
Diameter
1.27 m
Launch Mass
23 T
Thrust
580 kN
