Key Spacecraft Characteristics: · Extensive redundancy using flight-proven assemblies from other Orbital and JPL spacecraft · Ion propulsion system, based on the design validated on Deep Space 1 · Two 100 W (RF) traveling wave tube amplifiers, fixed 1.5 m high-gain antenna, 3 low-gain antennas, two small deep space transponders · Solar array capable of producing more than 10 kW at Earth's distance from the Sun and more than 1 kW at Ceres's maximum distance · Flight proven attitude control system used on Orbview, TOPEX/Poseidon ocean topography mission, and Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer · Simple hydrazine reaction control subsystem with two sets of six 0.9 N engines used on the Indostar spacecraft · Command and data handling uses off the shelf components as used on the Orbview program · Modular flight software based on design used on Orbview · Core structure is graphite composite. Panels are aluminum core, some with aluminum facesheets and others with composite facesheets.
A diagram of Dawn's ion propulsion system
A diagram of Dawn's hardware