Northrop Grumman Corporation launched a Pegasus rocket from the Kwajalein Atoll on July 3, 2026, carrying the LINK spacecraft built by Katalyst Space. The mission aims to extend the operational life of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. This launch marks the 46th flight for the Pegasus system, which utilizes a patented air-launch method to deliver payloads to low-Earth orbit.
The Pegasus XL rocket was transported to an altitude of approximately 41,000 feet by Northrop Grumman’s Stargazer L-1011 aircraft. Upon release, the rocket ignited its first stage to begin its ascent. The vehicle is a three-stage, small-class launch system that has deployed nearly 100 satellites since its debut in 1990. All three stages of the Pegasus rocket are powered by Orion motors, which Northrop Grumman has supplied reliably since the system’s inception.
Wes Collier, vice president of launch systems at Northrop Grumman, stated that the Pegasus rocket can be prepared for launch in under eight months. He noted that the air-launch design and proven propulsion system allow payloads to reach orbits that are difficult for other rockets to access. The company highlighted the system’s ability to operate from virtually any location on Earth with minimal ground support requirements.
The Swift Observatory was originally constructed at a Northrop Grumman facility in Gilbert, Arizona, and launched in 2004 with a planned two-year mission life. The observatory has continued to gather data for more than two decades, exceeding its initial objectives. Northrop Grumman continues to provide operational support for the Swift mission.
The LINK spacecraft was developed by Katalyst Space to perform the servicing operation. The specific technical details of how the spacecraft will attach to or boost the observatory were not provided in the source material. The mission demonstrates the company’s capability to provide responsive launch solutions for time-sensitive space exploration tasks.
