Pegasus XL Development and L-1011 Pegasus Carrier Aircraft

The Pegasus air-launched space booster has established itself as America's standard small launch vehicle. Since its first flight on April 5, 1990 Pegasus has delivered 13 payloads to orbit in the four launches conducted to-date. To improve capability and operational flexibility, the Pegasus XL development program was initiated in late 1991. The Pegasus XL vehicle has increased propellant, improved avionics, and a number of design enhancements. To increase the Pegasus launch system's flexibility, a Lockheed L-1011 aircraft has been modified to serve as a carrier aircraft for the vehicle. In addition, the activation of two new Pegasus production facilities is underway at Vandenberg AFB, California and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops, Virginia. The Pegasus XL vehicle, L-1011 carrier aircraft, and Vandenberg production facility will be operational in the fall of 1993. This paper describes the Pegasus XL vehicle design, capability, development program, and payload interfaces. The L-1011 carrier aircraft is described, including its selection process, release mechanism vehicle and payload support capabilities, and certification program. Pegasus production facilities are described.