Pegasus rocket readied for NASA satellite launch

The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket is being readied to launch NASA's IRIS spacecraft to study the sun off the coast of California. Photographers and reporters got to tour the "Hot Pad" adjacent to the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base where the L-1011 carrier jet and booster are being preparing for the mission. The aircraft will ferry Pegasus over the Pacific and drop the winged booster to fire into orbit.

See our Mission Status Center for the latest news on the launch.

Photo credit: Walter Scriptunas II/Spaceflight Now

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