Space Brief 22 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include ExoMars' successful parachute test, developments in military satellite systems, and leadership changes at NASA Goddard.
DAWN (32249)
COSPAR: 2007-043A | Alt Name: Dawn
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 27, 2007
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
32249
International Designator
2007-043A
Epoch
Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:40:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
28.64°
Right Ascension
1.03°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
301.37°
Period
540.21 min
Mean Motion
2.67 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DAWN
Alternative Name
Dawn
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 32249U 07043A 07270.52836325 -.00000070 +00000-0 +00000-0 0 9992
2 32249 028.6369 001.0332 3362896 301.3662 050.8261 02.66564887000007
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The DAWN satellite, also known as 2007-043A, is a multiple asteroid orbiter designed for space exploration. Launched on September 27, 2007, from Launch Pad SLC17B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR) using the Delta 7925H launch vehicle, DAWN was manufactured by OSCD and owned by JPL. The satellite has a length of 1.8 meters, diameter of 1.3 meters, and span of 19.7 meters, with a dry mass of 747 kilograms and a launch mass of 1218 kilograms. It is equipped with a framing camera, mapping spectrometer, and gamma ray and neutron spectrometer for scientific observations. The power system consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries. DAWN's shape is described as "Box + 2 Pan," and its mission involves orbiting multiple asteroids to conduct detailed studies.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.8
Diameter
1.3
Span
19.7
Dry Mass
747
Launch Mass
1218
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Dawn
Purpose
Multiple asteroid orbiter
Mission
Multiple asteroid orbiter
Manufacturer
OSCD
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
LEOStar-3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
NSTAR
Equipment
Framing Camera, Mapping Spectrometer, Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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