Pegasus First Mission - Flight Results

On April 5, 1990, after release from the wing of a B-52 carrier aircraft over the Pacific ocean at an altitude of 43,198 ft, the three stage Pegasus solid propellant rocket successfully completed its maiden flight by injecting its 423 lb payload into a 273 X 370 nautical mile 94 degree inclination orbit. The first flight successfully achieved all mission objectives; validating Pegasus's unique air launched concept, the vehicle's design, as well as its straightforward ground processing, integration and test methods. This report summarizes the results of the first launch, including measured vs. predicted motor performance, drag and lift coefficients, payload environmental parameters, structural loads, aerodynamic heating, and vehicle trajectory. In all areas, measured flight results were close to design predictions, and in the ease of the actual payload environment, were significantly less than predictions. The Pegasus first flight validated the fundamental aerodynamic design, established a baseline performance capability, validated the vehicle's GN&C system, and validated the aerodynamic and aero-thermal models.