Pegasus first mission - Flight results

Abstract

On April 5, 1990, after release from a B-52 aircraft at 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-nmi 94-deg-inclination orbit. The first flight successfully achieved all mission objectives, validating Pegasus's unique air-launched concept, the vehicle's design, and its straightforward ground processing, integration and test methods.