Pegasus XL HAPS Vehicle Overview

A complete overview of the Pegasus XL HAPS launch vehicle, including launch stats, vehicle info and launch locations.

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Pegasus XL HAPS rocket

Basic Info

Name

Pegasus XL HAPS

Family

Pegasus

First Launch

23 Dec 1997

Successful Launches

5

Failed Launches

0

Rocket Info

Status

Active

Stages

0-4

Length

17.6 m

Diameter

1.27 m

Launch Mass

23 tons

Thrust

580 kN

Reusability

Not Reusable

Payload Info

LEO Capacity

443 kg

Launch Cost

$40M

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. The HAPS variant adds a Hydrazine Auxiliary Propulsion System maneuvering stage.

Launch Sites used by Pegasus XL HAPS

Vandenberg SFB

Vandenberg SFB launch site

U.S. Space Force facility in California for spacecraft launches and missile testing.

📍 CA, United States
🚀 796 Launches

Upcoming Launches

Wallops Island

Wallops Island launch site

NASA rocket launch site for science and exploration missions, established in 1945 in Virginia.

📍 VA, United States
🚀 84 Launches

Upcoming Launches