GALEX launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Updated: April 24, 2003

T+00:00 Drop
The Pegasus XL rocket is released from the Orbital Carrier Aircraft off the east coast of Florida at an altitude of 39,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
T+00:05 Ignition
The first stage solid-fueled motor of Pegasus is ignited to begin the powered journey to orbit with GALEX.
T+01:15 Stage 1 Burnout
The Orion 50S XL first stage motor consumes all of its solid-fuel propellant and burns out. A short ballistic coast period begins now.
T+01:31 Stage 1 and 2 Separation
The spent first stage motor is jettisoned to prepare for the second stage of flight. The first stage casing falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+01:31 Stage 2 Ignition
The Pegasus rocket's Orion 50 XL second stage begins firing to continue the trip to orbit.
T+02:06 Jettison Payload Fairing
The payload fairing that protected the GALEX satellite during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits.
T+02:44 Stage 2 Burnout
Having consumed its supply of solid-fuel propellant, the second stage motor burns out. A coast period now begins before releasing the spent stage.
T+07:41 Stage 2 and 3 Separation
With its job complete, the Pegasus rocket's second stage is jettisoned from the third stage.
T+07:52 Stage 3 Ignition
The solid-fueled Orion 38 third stage ignites to deliver the GALEX spacecraft into the desired orbit around Earth.
T+09:00 Stage 3 Burnout
The third stage burns out after using all its solid propellant, completing the powered phase of launch. Orbit insertion has now occurred.
T+11:00 Spacecraft Separation
NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer spacecraft, or GALEX, is released into space from the third stage to complete the Pegasus rocket's 33rd launch.

Data source: Orbital Sciences

Flight data file
Vehicle: Pegasus XL
Payload: GALEX
Launch date: April 28, 2003
Launch window: 7:50-9:50 a.m. EDT (1150-1350 GMT)
Mission staging site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
Satellite broadcast: AMC 2, Transponder 9, C-band

Pre-launch briefing

Mission preview - Our story providing an overview of this launch.

Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.

GALEX spacecraft - A technical look at the Galaxy Evolution Explorer.

Telescope - Description of the telescope at the heart of GALEX.

Science goals - A look at the GALEX mission objectives.

Galaxies - Article on why study how galaxies form.

Pegasus XL rocket - Overview of this air-launched rocket.

Pegasus directory - See our coverage of previous Pegasus rocket flights.

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