SCISAT: Launch Services - Pegasus

Pegasus is a three-stage solid rocket booster developed by the Orbital Science Corporation to place satellites to low earth orbit.

The Orbital Carrier Aircraft (OCA) placed Pegasus to an altitude of approximately 39,000 ft. First ignition occured five seconds after the release of the rocket to accelerate the vehicle to supersonic speed. First burnout occured approximately 76 seconds after the drop off. Shortly after the first burnout, second stage ignition occured. The payload fairing was jettisoned during the second stage burn, approximately 136 second after the drop. After the second stage burnout, the vehicle glided and achieved the orbital attitude. Third stage burn provided additional velocity necessary to circularize the orbit.

Sample Launch and Separation System
(Photo courtesy of Orbital Science Corporation)