Lockheed L-1011

The Stargazer is a Lockheed L-1011 that’s the launchpad for the Pegasus rocket. This mission followed the Stargazer crew and Pegasus launch team at Kennedy Space Center as they put CYGNSS into orbit (Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System) which will work to improve hurricane forecasting. I felt strong nostalgic space vibes on this one. As a kid who wanted to be an astronaut, getting access to hangout in mission control, a room where so many legendary spacecraft and satellites have been launched from, it felt like walking on hallowed ground. One of those historic moments was at Cape Canaveral February 20, 1962, when John Glenn was launched aboard a Mercury-Atlas rocket, making him the first American to orbit the Earth. During production of this episode, I was filming at Kennedy Space Center on December 8th, 2016, and while looking at a full-scale replica of the Mercury-Atlas rocket that launched John Glenn, I had a news report buzz my phone. I glanced away from the rocket and read the news that John Glenn had passed away.  Godspeed John Glenn, wherever you may be.

Tech Specs

Aircraft Designation:  L-1011-1
Powerplants: 3 x 187kN (42,000lb) Rolls-Royce RB211-22B turbofans
Performance: Max cruising speed 605 mph (526kt)
Weights: Max takeoff 430,000 lbs (195,045kg)
Wingspan: 155 ft 4 in
Length: 177 ft 8 in
Height: 55ft 4 in
Wing area: 3456.0 sq ft
Capacity: Flight crew x 3