ROSETTA (28169)

COSPAR: 2004-006A | Alt Name: Rosetta
DECAYED

Image
ROSETTA Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 2, 2004

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5G+

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

28169

International Designator

2004-006A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ROSETTA

Alternative Name

Rosetta

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

ESA

Country

European Space Agency

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
ROSETTA, also known as Rosetta, is an ESA satellite with NORAD identification number 28169 and object ID 2004-006A. Launched on March 2, 2004, from ELA3 at the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 5G+ launch vehicle, this Eurostar-2000 based spacecraft has a mission to act as a comet orbiter and lander with Mars and Asteroid fly-by objectives. The satellite measures 2.8 meters in length, 2 meters in diameter, and features a span of 32 meters, including its solar arrays. It had a launch mass of 2965 kg and a dry mass of 1295 kg after propulsion. Equipped with various scientific instruments such as OSIRIS, ALICE, VIRTIS, MIRO, ROSINA, COSIMA, MIDAS, CONSERT, GIADA, RPC, RSI, and the Rosetta Lander, ROSETTA was powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite was designed to operate for 12 years and is shaped like a box with two panels. Manufactured by EADSB (Astrium), it played a crucial role in space exploration through its scientific mission.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.8

Diameter

2

Span

32

Dry Mass

1295

Launch Mass

2965

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Rosetta

Purpose

Comet orbiter and lander (Mars and Asteroid fly-by)

Mission

Comet orbiter and lander (Mars and Asteroid fly-by)

Manufacturer

EADSB

Life Expectancy

12 years

Bus

Rosetta

Configuration

Eurostar-2000 based

Motor

AOCS

Equipment

OSIRIS, ALICE, VIRTIS, MIRO, ROSINA, COSIMA, MIDAS, CONSERT, GIADA, RPC, RSI, Rosetta Lander

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 3 Jun 2025

Space Brief 3 Jun 2025

Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.

X Report 7 Dec 2025

X Report 7 Dec 2025

SpaceX receives approval for a new Starship launch complex, while Blue Origin capitalizes on potential challenges faced by SpaceX in lunar missions.

Space Brief 31 Jan 2025

Space Brief 31 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers advancements in satellite technology initiatives by the U.S. Space Force, geopolitical implications in maritime domains, and Sweden's significant military aid package. Additionally, we spotlight a historical satellite with modern implications.

Space Brief 30 Nov 2024

Space Brief 30 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual satellite launches, a new Space Force contract with Raytheon, and Astroscale's upcoming OneWeb mission.

Space Force Awards $437M for Military Satcom; New Glenn Clears Return | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards $437M for Military Satcom; New Glenn Clears Return | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Blue Origin clears New Glenn for flights after Flight 3 investigation.

X Report 10 Dec 2024

X Report 10 Dec 2024

SpaceX gears up for a busy launch schedule with multiple missions, while its Starship program progresses with a successful Super Heavy test. Meanwhile, NASA's Artemis 2 faces delays, highlighting SpaceX's ongoing momentum in the space sector.

NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA officially ended the MAVEN Mars orbiter mission after months of radio silence following an anomaly. Space Force assessing Eastern Range damage from separate incident affecting launch cadence.

Space Brief 10 Dec 2024

Space Brief 10 Dec 2024

Today's highlights include a new 5G demonstration launch on Firefly, potential supply chain interruptions in the defense sector, and updates on Artemis and ULA launches.