Northrop Grumman successfully launched the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Credit: Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Global aerospace and defence technology company Northrop Grumman has launched Nasa’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite aboard its Pegasus XL rocket in Florida, US.

The satellite is the ninth science mission built and launched by Northrop Grumman.

It also marks the 44th overall flight of the privately developed commercial space launch vehicle.

The company’s L-1011 carrier aircraft, Stargazer, transported the spacecraft during the initial phase of the launch.

The aircraft took off from the Skid Strip runway at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Pegasus then delivered ICON to its intended 575km orbit after release from Stargazer.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Northrop Grumman launch vehicles vice-president Rich Straka said: “We are proud to have another successful launch of Pegasus. Today’s launch is a testament to the team’s expertise and determination to provide our customers with mission success.”

ICON was built at Northrop Grumman’s Dulles satellite manufacturing facility. It was tested and verified at the company’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona.

It has been built based on Northrop Grumman’s flight-proven LEOStar-2 spacecraft bus.

ICON is designed to study the Earth’s ionosphere.

The mission is part of Nasa’s Explorer Program managed by the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland for the Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

Northrop Grumman civil and commercial satellites vice-president Steve Krein said: “Our initial data shows the spacecraft is in good health and performing as expected. The successful launch of ICON continues to demonstrate Northrop Grumman’s legacy of delivering innovative space science missions for Nasa.

“ICON marks the latest in a long line of scientific spacecraft we have developed and built for Nasa over the last 35 years.”