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ROSAT (20638)
COSPAR: 1990-049A | Alt Name: ROSAT
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 1, 1990
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 6920-10
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20638
International Designator
1990-049A
Decay Date
10/23/2011
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ROSAT
Alternative Name
ROSAT
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
DLR
Country
Germany
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
ROSAT was an X-ray astronomy satellite launched by DLR on June 1, 1990, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Delta 6920-10 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measured 4.5 meters in length with a diameter of 2.2 meters and a span of 8.9 meters, had a dry mass of 2426 kg, and was equipped with an X-ray telescope along with PSPC, HRI, and WFC instruments for capturing astronomical data. The satellite operated for 8.4 years, exceeding its initial design lifetime of 5 years. Its power came from deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. ROSAT was manufactured by DASAF and had a box shape with two panels.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.5
Diameter
2.2
Span
8.9
Dry Mass
2426
Launch Mass
2426
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.7973
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ROSAT
Purpose
Astronomy, X-Ray
Mission
Astronomy, X-Ray
Manufacturer
DASAF
Life Expectancy
5 years (design); 8.4 years reached
Bus
ROSAT
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
X-Ray telescope, PSPC, HRI, WFC
Power System
Deployable fixed solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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