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ROSAT

In addition to its support of ESA astrophysics missions, Germany took the lead in the ROSAT (Roentgensatellit) X-ray imaging telescope program which was a cooperative effort among Germany, the UK, and the US. Under prime contractor Dornier, Germany was responsible for the spacecraft as well as the principal 0.8 m diameter X-ray (6-120 AÅ) telescope. The UK provided a Wide Field Camera for extreme UV observations in the 60-300 AÅ band, while the US furnished the High Resolution Imager for the X-ray telescope and launch and spacecraft control services.

ROSAT is a 2.4-metric-ton, 3-axis-stabilized satellite with a length of 4.3 m. Designed for an operational life of only 18 months from its June, 1990, launch date, ROSAT was still operational at the end of 1994 and was expected to continue returning valuable scientific data into 1996. ROSAT's orbit has a mean altitude of 550 km at an inclination of 53 degrees (References 252-254).

252. DARA Information 1991, DARA, June 1991.

253. "Germans Estimate Rosat Will Keep Working Until '94", Space News, 8-14 March 1993, p. 12.

254. ROSAT Newsletter, published by the U.S. ROSAT Science Data Center, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

252. DARA Information 1991, DARA, June 1991.

253. "Germans Estimate Rosat Will Keep Working Until '94", Space News, 8-14 March 1993, p. 12.

254. ROSAT Newsletter, published by the U.S. ROSAT Science Data Center, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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