ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION

Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1

SUCCESS Pegasus XL →
Apr 21, 1997 at 11:59 UTC
Air launch to orbit 90% success
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Live Orbit
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Mission Control3D trajectory · Live telemetry · AI narrator · Booster tracking
VEHICLE
Pegasus XL
LAUNCH PAD
Gran Canaria
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 5474b05a-1ec7-4e8f-92f0-768b9f795926
Reported date: Apr 21, 1997 at 11:59 UTC
Last synced: 2 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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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.

When is the Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 launch?
The Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 is scheduled for Monday, April 21, 1997 at 11:59 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 | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1?
The Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 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 | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Gran Canaria at Air launch to orbit.
Who is launching Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1?
The Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 is operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Can I watch the Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 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.
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: Apr 21, 1997 at 11:59 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 2 minutes ago
Launch Library 22 minutes ago
Launch ID: 5474b05a-1ec7-4e8f-92f0-768b9f795926
Open-Meteo Weather5 days ago
Pad weather at 27.97, -15.6

Mission Profile

Pegasus XL | Minisat & Celestis Space Burial #1 was a Pegasus XL mission operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation that lifted off from Gran Canaria, Air launch to orbit on April 21, 1997. The launch was a success.

UPCOMING
Long March 6A | Unknown Payload China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
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