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.
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.
When is the Pegasus XL | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launch?
What rocket is being used for Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)?
Where is the Pegasus XL | Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) launching from?
What orbit is Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) going to?
Who is launching Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)?
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Mission Profile
Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) was a Pegasus XL mission operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation that lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Air launch to orbit on June 28, 2013. The flight carried its payload on a heliophysics mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.