NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2008-048A
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.
Launch Date: 2008-09-28
Launch Vehicle: Falcon 1
Launch Site: Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Mass: 165 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office