LAUNCH CENTER

Launch Image
Success
Wed Jun 13 2012
Orbital Sciences Corporation

Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)

Launch Successful
LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

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(4:00 PM UTC)

Launch Window Start

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(4:00 PM UTC)

Launch Window End

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(4:00 PM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Pegasus XL

Description:

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.

Pegasus XL rocket
MISSION OVERVIEW
  • 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.
COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Air launch to orbit

Pad

Kwajalein Atoll