| T+00:00.0 |
Drop |
| The Pegasus XL rocket is released from the Orbital Carrier Aircraft at an altitude of 39,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, about 60 miles west of Monterey, Calif. |
|
| T+00:05.0 |
Ignition |
| The first stage solid-fueled motor of Pegasus is ignited to begin the powered journey to orbit with TSX-5. |
|
| T+01:15.9 |
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+01:32.6 |
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+01:33.4 |
Stage 2 Ignition |
| The Pegasus rocket's Orion 50 XL second stage begins firing to continue the trip to orbit. |
|
| T+02:11.8 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
| The payload fairing that protected the TSX-5 satellite during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits. |
|
| T+02:47.3 |
Stage 2 Burnout |
| Having burned its supply of solid-fuel propellant, the second stage motor stops firing. A lengthy coast period now begins before releasing the spent stage. |
|
| T+12:14.2 |
Stage 2 and 3 Separation |
| With its job complete, the Pegasus rocket's second stage is jettisoned from the third stage. |
|
| T+12:25.3 |
Stage 3 Ignition |
| The solid-fueled Orion 38 third stage ignites to deliver the TSX-5 spacecraft into the desired orbit around Earth. |
|
| T+13:11.7 |
Stage 3 Burnout |
| The third stage burns out after using all its solid propellant, completing the powered phase of launch. |
|
| T+14:31.7 |
Spacecraft Separation |
| The Tri-Service Experiments Mission-5 satellite is released into space from the third stage to complete the Pegasus rocket's 29th launch. |
