Stargazer (aircraft)

Stargazer
Stargazer in Northrop Grumman livery, carrying the Pegasus XL for the TacRL-2 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in June 2021
General information
TypeLockheed L-1011 TriStar
StatusIn service
OwnersOrbital Sciences
Orbital ATK
Northrop Grumman
Construction number193E-1067
RegistrationN140SC
History
First flightFebruary 22, 1974
In service1974 present

Stargazer is a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar built in 1974, that was modified in 1994 for use by Orbital Sciences (now part of Northrop Grumman) as a mother ship for the Pegasus, a small-lift launch vehicle. As of October 2022, 45 rockets (containing nearly 100 satellites) have been launched from Stargazer. Stargazer is the only L-1011 airframe still airworthy.