Shenzhou-23 Docks at Tiangong; Crew Member Targets 1-Year Stay | KeepTrack Space Brief
Shenzhou-23 docked with Tiangong May 24 with 3 astronauts, including Hong Kong's first crew member. One will stay ~1 year in orbit.
STARLINK-46 (44246)
COSPAR: 2019-029M | Alt Name: Starlink 46
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2019
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44246
International Designator
2019-029M
Decay Date
2/20/2020
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-46
Alternative Name
Starlink 46
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-46, also known as Starlink 46, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 24, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 219 kilograms and a launch mass of 227 kilograms. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It is equipped with a Ku-band payload and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, along with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its mission is focused on providing communication services from its box-shaped body augmented with panels.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
219
Launch Mass
227
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V0.9-12
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku-band payload
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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