ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION

Pegasus XL | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS)

SUCCESSDec 6, 1998 at 00:57 UTCPegasus XL →
PADVandenberg Space Force Base
SITEAir launch to orbit →
VEHICLE
Pegasus XL
LAUNCH PAD
Vandenberg Space Force Base
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: b1ecbd1e-13e2-4b79-83b7-055e553416d4
Reported date: Dec 6, 1998 at 00:57 UTC
Last synced: 2 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
Loading weather…
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
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 | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) launch?
The Pegasus XL | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 1998 at 12:57 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 | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS)?
The Pegasus XL | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) 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 | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) launching from?
The launch takes place from Vandenberg Space Force Base at Air launch to orbit.
Who is launching Pegasus XL | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS)?
The Pegasus XL | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) is operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Can I watch the Pegasus XL | Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) 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 01:16 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 6, 1998 at 00:57 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 2 hours ago
Launch Library 22 hours ago
Launch ID: b1ecbd1e-13e2-4b79-83b7-055e553416d4
Open-Meteo Weather3 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.73, -120.57