MISSION OVERVIEW
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a NASA Small Explorer Mission to observe how solar material moves, gathers energy, and heats up as it travels through a little-understood region in the sun’s lower atmosphere.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Pegasus XLMISSION
Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)
MISSION TYPE
Heliophysics
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Vandenberg Space Force Base
LAUNCH SITE
Air launch to orbitCOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: eb8315ed-6614-407e-a9de-9b28276932eb
Reported date: Jun 28, 2013 at 02:27 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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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 | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch?
The Pegasus XL | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is scheduled for Friday, June 28, 2013 at 2:27 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 Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)?
The Pegasus XL | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) 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 | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launching from?
The launch takes place from Vandenberg Space Force Base at Air launch to orbit.
What orbit is Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) going to?
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)?
The Pegasus XL | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Can I watch the Pegasus XL | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) 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 00:03 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch date set: Jun 28, 2013 at 02:27 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 hours ago
●Launch Library 27 hours ago
Launch ID: eb8315ed-6614-407e-a9de-9b28276932eb
●Open-Meteo Weather7 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.73, -120.57
●YouTube Video Search3 days ago
1 video discovered
