The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Technology & Internet›Spacecraft›Pegasus 3
Technology & Internet • Spacecraft

Pegasus 3

Pegasus 3 was the third and final spacecraft in NASA's Pegasus project, launched in 1965 to study micrometeoroid impacts in low Earth orbit.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pegasus 3 was the third and final spacecraft in NASA's Pegasus project, launched in 1965 to study micrometeoroid impacts in low Earth orbit. It was also known as Pegasus C before launch and remained in orbit until reentry in 1969.

Background

The Pegasus project was a NASA effort to measure the frequency and distribution of micrometeoroid impacts in low Earth orbit. Pegasus 3 was the third spacecraft in the series and completed the trio launched in 1965.

Spacecraft design

Pegasus 3 was built by Fairchild Hiller and equipped with panels designed to detect micrometeoroid penetration. It also carried radio equipment to track the spacecraft and transmit data.

Launch and orbit

The spacecraft launched on 30 July 1965 aboard a Saturn I rocket from Cape Kennedy's Launch Complex 37B. It entered low Earth orbit and remained there after its operational phase ended.

Mission end

Pegasus 3 stopped operating on 29 August 1968. The spacecraft remained in orbit until it reentered Earth's atmosphere on 4 August 1969.

Key facts

  • Pegasus 3 was the last of three Pegasus satellites launched in 1965.
  • Its mission was to measure micrometeoroid impacts in near-Earth space.
  • The spacecraft carried two sets of micrometeoroid detection panels and a radio for tracking and data return.
  • It was launched from Cape Kennedy on 30 July 1965 aboard Saturn I SA-10.
  • The spacecraft operated until 29 August 1968 and later decayed from orbit on 4 August 1969.

Frequently asked questions

What was Pegasus 3?
Pegasus 3 was a NASA satellite used to study micrometeoroid impacts in low Earth orbit.
When was Pegasus 3 launched?
It was launched on 30 July 1965.
Who built Pegasus 3?
It was manufactured by Fairchild Hiller for NASA.
What rocket launched Pegasus 3?
Pegasus 3 was launched on a Saturn I rocket, mission SA-10.
When did Pegasus 3 stop operating?
It operated until 29 August 1968 and reentered the atmosphere on 4 August 1969.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_3
    Supports: Identifies Pegasus 3 as a NASA micrometeoroid research satellite, gives launch date, manufacturer, mass, orbital role, mission end, and reentry date.
  2. Gunter's Space Page — https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pegasus.htm
    Supports: Lists Pegasus 1, 2, and 3 mission purpose and provides Pegasus 3 launch information and launch site.
  3. NASA Technical Reports Server — https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20170008156/downloads/20170008156.pdf
    Supports: Describes the Pegasus satellites as identical 1965 satellites designed to measure meteoroid abundances and collect penetration data.
  4. Astronautix — http://www.astronautix.com/p/pegasus.html
    Supports: States Pegasus satellite mission purpose, number of spacecraft, and that Pegasus 3 was the third meteoroid detection satellite launched by NASA.