This is the Pegasus XL, a version of the U.S.'s first air-launched orbital launch vehicle. The Pegasus is carried by a modified Lockheed L-1011 or other plane up to its launch altitude of 12,000 m. (39,000 ft.). The three-stage, solid-fuel Pegasus is then released, and its rocket engine ignites and accelerates it to orbital velocity. It can place a small 450 kg (1,000 lb)-class satellite into Earth orbit.
Developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, Pegasus was first used in 1990 and has since launched dozens of satellites. This vehicle includes the wing of a Pegasus flown into space and recovered in 2000, as well as the first-stage rocket motor used in ground testing the XL version in 1994. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 2004 by Orbital Sciences.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
2000-2004
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Orbital Sciences Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 57 ft. 5 in. long x 4 ft. 2 in. diameter x 21 ft. 7 13/16 in. span, 52910.4 lb. (1750 x 127 x 660cm, 24000kg)
Materials
Body, primarily, carbon fiber and graphite filament, with some cork to provide boyancy; wing panels, graphite-faced Nomex-foam sandwich (wings also said to be of graphite-composite, made by Scaled Composites, Inc.); aft skirt assembly, aluminum; aft skirt fins, one-piece solid foam core and wet-laid graphite composite construction around a central titanium shaft; two titanium separation rings between the name Orbital, on both sides of the body, and before the payload section; equidistant internal wrenching bolts around inside perimeters of access panel to actuator, at rear, steel; shiny silver discs on base of each rear fin, non-ferrous and probably aluminum foil material; nozzle, phenolic; internal hex screws, equidistant around interior perimeter of plates for attaching rear fins, steel; payload fairing, two graphite composite half shells
Alternate Name
Pegasus XL Launch Vehicle
Inventory Number
A20040262000
Credit Line
Gift of Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.