Suggested Searches

1 min read

L-1011 Stargazer Takes Off with CYGNSS, Pegasus XL Rocket

L-1011 Stargazer Takes Off with CYGNSS, Pegasus XL Rocket
L-1011 Stargazer Takes Off with CYGNSS, Pegasus XL Rocket

An Orbital ATK L-1011 Stargazer aircraft carrying a Pegasus XL Rocket with eight NASA Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, or CYGNSS, spacecraft takes off from the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. With the aircraft flying off shore, the Pegasus rocket will be released. Five seconds later, the solid propellant engine will ignite and boost the eight hurricane observatories to orbit. The eight CYGNSS satellites will make frequent and accurate measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle of tropical storms and hurricanes. Release of the Pegasus XL rocket is scheduled for 8:35 a.m. EST.

Photo credit: NASA