ROSAT Re-Entry - Quick-Facts

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  • Launched on a Delta II in 1990
  • German X-Ray Observatory Satellite
  • Operated for >8 years providing the first X-Ray and EUV All-Sky Survey
  • 18-Month Planned Mission, Extended based on Vehicle Performance
  • Final Shut Down on February 12, 1999
  • No option of a controlled Re-Entry (no communication with the vehicle, No Fuel)
  • Re-Entry expected in early November 2011
  • Entry Zone between 53° northern latitude and southern latitude
  • Not all of ROSAT’s Components will burn up on Re-Entry
  • 30 Parts have been identified that are likely to hit Earth
  • 1,600kg of total mass expected to survive the Re-Entry Environment
  • Biggest piece of debris: 400kg
  • Risk to public is low
Periodic Updates on the Spaceflight101 Twitter Account. Regular ROSAT Messages on the days leading up to Re-Entry
Continuous Twitter Coverage of all Re-Entry Events and News including current Orbital Properties via
@ROSAT_Reentry