Stargazer (aircraft)

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Stargazer is a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar built in 1974 and modified in 1994 by Orbital Sciences (now part of Northrop Grumman) to serve as the mother ship for the Pegasus, an air-launched orbital rocket. As of June 2021, it has conducted 39 Pegasus launches carrying nearly 100 satellites. It is the only airworthy L-1011 remaining in service as of 2026 because its FAA-approved launch license was valid until March 9, 2026. It received "Emergency Special Permit Authorization" on March 20, 2026 for "immediate national security purposes" - to enable Swift boost mission launch. Stargazer supported the final Pegasus launch in 2026, launching the LINK spacecraft to boost the orbit of NASA's Swift spacecraft. Stargazer also continues to fly regular missions for undisclosed customers, including missile and flight-test work.