Northrop Grumman Pegasus rocket powers LINK spacecraft launch to extend NASA’s Swift Observatory mission

The launch marked the 46th flight of the patented Pegasus air-launched system. Northrop Grumman said the system provides flexibility, precision and cost-efficiency for missions with unique orbit and timeline requirements.

The Pegasus rocket was carried to about 41,000 feet by Northrop Grumman’s Stargazer L-1011 aircraft. After release from the aircraft, the rocket ignited its first stage to begin the satellite deployment mission.

Northrop Grumman said Pegasus was ready for launch in under eight months. The company said the rocket’s air-launch design and Orion motors support responsive deployment to orbits that can be difficult for other launch systems to reach.

“Ready for launch in under eight months, Pegasus is the go-to choice for missions that need to get off the ground now. Its air-launch design and proven Orion motors mean payloads can get to orbits that are harder for other rockets to reach,” said Wes Collier, vice president, launch systems, Northrop Grumman.

Pegasus is a three-stage, small-class launch vehicle. Since its debut in 1990 as the world’s first privately developed space launch vehicle, it has deployed nearly 100 satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The system can operate from virtually anywhere on Earth with minimal ground support requirements. Northrop Grumman’s Orion motors have provided propulsion for all three stages of Pegasus.

The Swift Observatory was built at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona. Originally launched in 2004 for a planned two-year mission, Swift has gathered data beyond its planned objectives for more than two decades.

Northrop Grumman continues to provide operational support for the Swift mission. The Pegasus launch demonstrates the company’s use of air-launched systems for flexible and responsive satellite deployment supporting space exploration.