STARLINK-72 (44263)

COSPAR: 2019-029AE | Alt Name: Starlink 72

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 24, 2019

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

44263

International Designator

2019-029AE

Decay Date

10/16/2020

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-72

Alternative Name

Starlink 72

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-72 satellite, also known as Starlink 72, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 24, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 219 kilograms and a launch mass of 227 kilograms. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It is equipped with Ku-band payload equipment for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters to maintain orbit. The purpose of STARLINK-72 is to provide global internet connectivity as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink project.

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

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 V0.9-29

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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