ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST)
—
—
Aug 21, 1996 at 09:47 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
PADVandenberg Space Force Base
SITEAir launch to orbit →LAUNCH DETAILS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: c5ec6c97-593d-4e1d-a3b2-6e8b10ed278a
Reported date: Aug 21, 1996 at 09:47 UTC
Last synced: 15 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
VEHICLE — Pegasus XL →
MANUFACTURER
Orbital Sciences Corporation
FLIGHTS
31
SUCCESSES
28
SUCCESS RATE
90.3%
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) launch?
The Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 1996 at 9:47 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST)?
The Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) mission uses the Pegasus XL rocket, manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. The Pegasus XL has flown 31 times with a 90.3% success rate.
Where is the Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) launching from?
The launch takes place from Vandenberg Space Force Base at Air launch to orbit.
Who is launching Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST)?
The Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) is operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Can I watch the Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 21, 1996 at 09:47 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 15 minutes ago
●Launch Library 215 minutes ago
Launch ID: c5ec6c97-593d-4e1d-a3b2-6e8b10ed278a
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 34.73, -120.57
Mission Profile
Pegasus XL | Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) was a Pegasus XL mission operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation that lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Air launch to orbit on August 21, 1996. The launch was a success.