# HAWK-2A

> satellite launched in 2021

**Wikidata**: [Q131460876](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131460876)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hawk-2a

## Summary
HAWK-2A is a 30-kilogram artificial satellite launched in 2021 by HawkEye 360. It was deployed into orbit on January 24, 2021, aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle from the Eastern Range. The satellite operates in a low Earth orbit with a 95-minute orbital period.

## Key Facts
- Launched on January 24, 2021, aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket
- Weighs 30 kilograms and was manufactured by UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory
- Operates in a 95-minute low Earth orbit
- Has COSPAR ID 2021-006CW and NORAD catalog number 47505
- Owned and developed by HawkEye 360
- Different from the unrelated "Hawk tuah" entity
- Classified as an artificial satellite

### Q: What is HAWK-2A?
A: HAWK-2A is a 30-kilogram artificial satellite launched in 2021 by HawkEye 360, deployed into orbit on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket with a 95-minute orbital period.

### Q: Who built and owns HAWK-2A?
A: HAWK-2A was manufactured by UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and is owned and developed by HawkEye 360.

### Q: When and how was HAWK-2A launched?
A: HAWK-2A launched on January 24, 2021, from the Eastern Range aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
HAWK-2A represents a significant advancement in commercial satellite technology, specifically in the field of radio frequency (RF) detection and geolocation. As part of HawkEye 360's constellation, it contributes to a growing network of satellites designed to monitor and analyze RF signals across the globe. This capability has important applications in maritime domain awareness, spectrum management, and national security. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrates the increasing role of private companies in space-based surveillance and monitoring, complementing traditional government-operated systems. HAWK-2A's relatively small size and specialized mission profile also showcase the trend toward more focused, cost-effective satellite missions that can be deployed in larger constellations for enhanced coverage and redundancy.

## Notable For
- First satellite in HawkEye 360's commercial RF detection constellation
- Demonstrates successful collaboration between private aerospace companies and academic institutions (UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory)
- Represents the growing trend of specialized small satellites for specific commercial applications
- Operates as part of a larger constellation for enhanced global coverage
- Showcases the capabilities of the Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle for commercial satellite deployments

## Body
### Technical Specifications
HAWK-2A is a small satellite with a mass of 30 kilograms, making it part of the growing trend of small satellite missions. Its compact size allows for cost-effective deployment and operation while still providing valuable capabilities in its specialized mission of RF detection and geolocation.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite operates in a low Earth orbit with a period of 95 minutes, allowing it to complete approximately 15 orbits per day. This frequent coverage enables HAWK-2A to provide regular monitoring of specific areas of interest and contributes to the overall coverage of HawkEye 360's constellation.

### Mission and Capabilities
As part of HawkEye 360's constellation, HAWK-2A is designed for radio frequency detection and geolocation. This capability allows it to identify and locate various RF emitters, including maritime radar systems, emergency beacons, and other RF sources. The data collected by HAWK-2A and its sister satellites can be used for applications such as maritime domain awareness, spectrum management, and intelligence gathering.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on January 24, 2021, as a secondary payload aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This launch vehicle is the current version of SpaceX's Falcon 9, known for its reliability and reusability. The successful deployment of HAWK-2A demonstrates the increasing capability of commercial launch providers to support diverse satellite missions.

### Manufacturer and Development
UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) was responsible for manufacturing HAWK-2A. SFL, based at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, has a strong track record in small satellite development and has contributed to numerous successful missions. The collaboration between HawkEye 360 and SFL showcases the growing ecosystem of specialized satellite manufacturers supporting commercial space ventures.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.satcat.com/sats/47505)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/hawk-2a.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/?s=47505&live=1)