45th SW supports successful Pegasus CYGNSS launch

Courtesy Photo | The Orbital ATK L-1011 Stargazer aircraft flies over the Atlantic Ocean carrying the Pegasus XL rocket with eight Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System spacecraft. The 45th Space Wing supported Orbital ATK’s successful rocket launch Dec. 15 at 8:37 a.m. from the L-1011 carrier aircraft which took off from the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. According to NASA, CYGNSS satellites will make frequent and accurate measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle of tropical storms and hurricanes. The data that CYGNSS provides will enable scientists to probe key air-sea interaction processes that take place near the core of storms, which are rapidly changing and play a crucial role in the beginning and intensification of hurricanes. (Courtesy photo by NASA/Lori Losey)  

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL, UNITED STATES

12.15.2016

Courtesy Story

Space Launch Delta 45

The 45th Space Wing supported Orbital ATK’s successful Pegasus XL rocket launch carrying NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System Dec. 15 at 8:37 a.m. from Orbital’s “Stargazer” L-1011 carrier aircraft which took off from the Skid Strip here.

Once the L-1011 carrier aircraft reached launch altitude, the Pegasus rocket launched over the Atlantic Ocean about 126 miles east of Daytona Beach, Fla.

The CYGNSS constellation consists of eight microsatellite observatories that will produce measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle of tropical storms and hurricanes, which could help lead to better forecasting of severe weather on Earth. The CYGNSS mission is the 43rd Pegasus space launch since its introduction in 1990, and marks a total of 93 satellites launched by the rocket, according to an Orbital ATK fact sheet. The last Pegasus mission originating from CCAFS occurred more than 13 years ago.

According to Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander and mission Launch Decision Authority, today's launch once again clearly demonstrates the collaborative efforts required for mission success.

“I am proud of the entire professional team here on the Space Coast who worked together flawlessly to make our twenty-second major launch operation of the year a success,” he said. “It’s been 13 years since we last supported a Pegasus launch and our collective team for this unique mission didn’t miss a beat. It's an honor to work alongside this entire team as we shape the future of America's launch and range operations, and continue to be the ‘World's Premier Gateway to Space.’”

• Date Taken: 12.15.2016
• Date Posted: 12.15.2016 12:21
• Story ID: 217834
• Location: CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL, US