🚀 go-pugleaf

I have gotten word second-hand that the next Pegasus launch is delayed
once again. As mentioned in this newsgroup already, last tuesday the
B-52 with Pegasus under its wing took off from Edwards to go to the
east coast for the Brazil-sat launch. Shortly after takeoff the
rudder on Pegasus began to flutter +/- 40 degrees. It was supposed
to be locked in a null position for transport. The B-52 returned to
Edwards and the rudder was removed and as far as I know the failure
hasn't been identified. Weather, and the upcomming shuttle launch
may cause further postponements. The Brazil-sat launch, with its
modified first stage nozzle (modified because after they finally
took apart the 1989 ground static test firing article they found
that the first two flights could have been very Challenger-like)
and another nose fairing separation test (The fairing separation
mechanism was modified due to contamination and reliability
concerns) are the two milestones that have to be successful before
the fourth Pegasus flight carrying the ALEXIS satellite can happen.
Possible delays in the fairing test might push the ALEXIS launch
into the mid-March or early April time frame.

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Opinions expressed are my own and not those of	|	Jeff Bloch
the DOE or LANL.				|	LANL