Dawn (Spacecraft Series) - (Important Facts) {Part-29}

DAWN WAS LAUNCHED in 2007 on a mission to study the two largest Asteroids- "Vesta" then "Ceres",  arriving at Vesta on the 15th of July, 2011 and is scheduled to arrive at Ceres in 2015.

Dawn Spacecraft

 Unlike other spacecraft which use conventional rockets or gravitational assist, Dawn is fitted with Three ion thrusters that use electrical energy provided by its solar panels to accelerate xenon ions to a high speed and provide a low, but constant thrust. This system allows Dawn to visit Vesta and Ceres using a total of just 454kg/937lb of xenon as propellant.

Launching of Dawn

Dawn's dual mission is to investigate the formation of the early Solar System and test the feasibility of using ion propulsion for future missions.

Making of Dawn

Structure of Dawn