
SORCE launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW Updated: January 23, 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 SORCE. |
|
| T+01:16 |
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+01:32 |
Stage 2 Ignition |
| The Pegasus rocket's Orion 50 XL second stage begins firing to continue the trip to orbit. |
|
| T+02:07 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
| The payload fairing that protected the SORCE satellite during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits. |
|
| T+02:45 |
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+07:27 |
Stage 2 and 3 Separation |
| With its job complete, the Pegasus rocket's second stage is jettisoned from the third stage. |
|
| T+07:38 |
Stage 3 Ignition |
| The solid-fueled Orion 38 third stage ignites to deliver the SORCE spacecraft into the desired orbit around Earth. |
|
| T+08:46 |
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+10:46 |
Spacecraft Separation |
| NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment spacecraft, or SORCE, is released into space from the third stage to complete the Pegasus rocket's 32nd launch. |

Data source: Orbital Sciences
|
 |
 |
 |
Flight data file
Vehicle: Pegasus XL
Payload: SORCE
Launch date: Jan. 25, 2003
Launch window: 3:10-4:08 p.m. EST (2010-2108 GMT)
Mission staging site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
Satellite broadcast: AMC 2, Transponder 9, C-band

Pre-launch briefing
Ground track - Map with the path the rocket will follow into space.

SORCE - Facts and info on the NASA satellite being launched.

Pegasus - Overview of the air-launched Orbital Sciences rocket.


Apollo 12 tribute DVD set

New!
Featuring the jovial crew of Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Alan Bean, the Apollo 12 mission was struck by lightning shortly after liftoff but proceeded on the second successful exploration voyage to the lunar surface. This three-disc DVD brings the mission to life with extraordinary detail.
Choose your store:
U.S. -
U.K. -
E.U. -
Worldwide

Fallen Heroes special patch
This special 12-inch embroidered patch commemorates the U.S. astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia.
Choose your store:
U.S. -
U.K. -
E.U. -
Worldwide

Women in Space
Women of Space: Cool Careers on the Final Frontier is for girls, young women, and anyone else interested in learning about exciting careers in space exploration. Includes CD-ROM.
Choose your store:
U.S. -
U.K. -
E.U. -
Worldwide

Mars rover poster
This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Choose your store:
U.S.
|