Rockets: Pegasus XL

This is a lightweight launch capable of delivering 443 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit. It is deployed with a horizontal launch system from a carrier aircraft called the L-1011Stargazer at approximately 40,000ft.

The Pegasus XL is a 3 stage solid rocket with an optional liquid fourth stage. It is ideal for launching light payloads into low earth orbit.

After the rocket is released the first stage burns for 68.6 secs and is able to produce 163,211 pounds of thrust. The delta wings attached to the first stage produces lift and used for pitch maneuver.

The second stage burns for 71 secs and is able to produce 43,702 pounds of maximum thrust and 35,519 pounds of average thrust

Third stage is equipped with a high expansion nozzle for operation in vacuum. It is gimbaled using an Nitrogen cold gas altitude control system form roll and attitude control. For pitch and yaw, it employs an electromechanical thrust vector control system. the solid fuel burns for 71 seconds

The optional fourth stage is a hydrazine Auxiliary propulsion system which is used for precise injections. It has 3 MR-107N thrusters capable of delivering between 24504 - 66543 pounds of thrust.