TBD
Swift Rescue Mission
Mission Extension
Northrop Grumman Space Systems(NGSS)CommercialPegasus XL
LEOorbit
Contracted by NASA under the Small Business Innovation Research Phase 3 contract, Katalyst Space Technologies' LINK servicing spacecraft will rendezvous and attach to NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to re-boost its orbit. This aims to demonstrate a key capability for the future of space exploration and extending the Swift mission’s science lifetime in gamma ray astronomy.
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Jun 30, 2026, 12:00 AM
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#7,321
NGSS Mission
#17
Pad Launch
#5
Location Launch
#52
Launch Window
NET
Jun 30, 2026, 12:00 AM
Precision
Month
Schedule Changes
2 updates
Schedule Updates
2 entries- Current scheduleCurrentDelayed 29dMay 8, 2026, 6:22 PMJun 30, 2026, 12:00 AM(Month)TBDWindow: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Initial scheduleApr 17, 2026, 5:52 AMJun 1, 2026, 12:00 AM(Day)TBD
Air launch to orbit
Total Launches
51
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
8.7167, 167.7333
Pegasus XL Specs
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.
Length
17.6 m
Diameter
1.27 m
Launch Mass
23 t
Thrust
580 kN
LEO Capacity
443 kg
GTO Capacity
0 kg
Launch Cost
$40M
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1994
Fastest Turnaround
6d 6h
Total Launches
31
Successful
28
Failed
3
Consecutive Success
25
Maiden flight: Jun 27, 1994
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Northrup Grumman Space Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defence and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. They aquired Orbital ATK in 2018 along with its launchers and ongoing missions.
Founded
2015
Administrator
CEO: Kathy Warden
Total Launches
16
Successful
16
Failed
0
Pending
2
Consecutive Success
16