Track DEMOSAT/FALCON 1 Satellite in Real Time
Detailed information about DEMOSAT/FALCON 1 satellite
Designator id: 2008-048A
Description of DEMOSAT/FALCON 1 Satellite:
Demosat is an American (private) satellite that was launched by a Falcon 1 rocket from the Omelek island in the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean at 23:15 UT on 28 September 2008. It was the first successful launch of the rocket after several earlier failures. Demosat is a 165 kg aluminum dummy, also named Ratsat. The satellite remained deliberately bolted to the rocket as there was no separation system in place. Separation signals were simulated nd received as designed.
The development of Falcon rockets as a carrier of cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) has been funded by NASA. It is expected to be the primary American vehicle for transportation to the ISS, between 2010 when the shuttles will be retired and the Orion spacecraft program will succeed by 2015.
1 33393U 08048A 12338.23094804 .00001641 00000-0 12984-3 0 370 2 33393 009.3455 021.7375 0014571 268.0475 091.8108 14.80579695226386