ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4)
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Oct 22, 1997 at 13:13 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADWallops Flight Facility
SITEAir launch to orbit →LAUNCH DETAILS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: fd37be2b-2551-4247-b409-1ae26ee5eb4b
Reported date: Oct 22, 1997 at 13:13 UTC
Last synced: 1 minute ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
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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 | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) launch?
The Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 1997 at 1:13 PM 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 | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4)?
The Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) 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 | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) launching from?
The launch takes place from Wallops Flight Facility at Air launch to orbit.
Who is launching Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4)?
The Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) is operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Can I watch the Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) 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: Oct 22, 1997 at 13:13 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: 1 minute ago
●Launch Library 21 minute ago
Launch ID: fd37be2b-2551-4247-b409-1ae26ee5eb4b
●Open-Meteo Weather21 hours ago
Pad weather at 37.94, -75.46
Mission Profile
Pegasus XL | Space Test Experiments Platform-4 (STEP-4) was a Pegasus XL mission operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation that lifted off from Wallops Flight Facility, Air launch to orbit on October 22, 1997. The launch was a success.