| T+00:00.0 |
Drop |
| The Pegasus rocket is released from the Orbital Carrier Aircraft at an altitude of 39,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, about 60 miles southwest of the Kwajalein Atoll. |
|
| T+00:05 |
Ignition |
| The first stage solid-fueled motor of Pegasus is ignited to begin the powered journey to orbit with HETE 2. |
|
| T+01:21 |
Stage 1 Burnout |
| The first stage motor consumes all of its solid-fuel propellant and burns out. A short ballistic coast period begins now. |
|
| T+01:30 |
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 Pacific Ocean. |
|
| T+01:31 |
Stage 2 Ignition |
| The Pegasus rocket's second stage begins firing to continue the trip to orbit. |
|
| T+02:10 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
| The payload fairing that protected the HETE 2 satellite during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits. |
|
| T+02:49 |
Stage 2 Burnout |
| Having burned its supply of solid-fuel propellant, the second stage motor stops firing. A lengthy coast period, determined by the onboard computer, now begins before releasing the spent stage. |
|
| T+08:58 |
Stage 2 and 3 Separation |
| With its job complete, the Pegasus rocket's second stage is jettisoned from the third stage. |
|
| T+09:09 |
Stage 3 Ignition |
| The solid-fueled third stage ignites to deliver the HETE 2 spacecraft into the desired orbit around Earth. |
|
| T+10:16 |
Stage 3 Burnout |
| The third stage burns out after using all its solid propellant, completing the powered phase of launch. |
|
| T+11:16 |
Spacecraft Separation |
| NASA's High-Energy Transient Explorer 2 satellite is released into space from the third stage to complete the Pegasus rocket's 30th launch. |
