X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
STARLINK-38 (44280)
COSPAR: 2019-029AX | Alt Name: Starlink 38
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2019
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44280
International Designator
2019-029AX
Decay Date
9/6/2020
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-38
Alternative Name
Starlink 38
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Starlink-38 satellite, also known as Starlink 38, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 24, 2019, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 227 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 219 kilograms. Starlink-38 is equipped with Ku-band payload for communication purposes and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's power supply consists of solar arrays and batteries, and it was designed in the shape of a box with a pan configuration.
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 V0.9-46
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 23 Oct 2025
Today's updates cover Vantor's satellites overcoming tracking challenges, a startup's ambitious missile defense test, and more pivotal space events.
Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.
C-Band
The workhorse frequency band that quietly powers satellite communications, weather radar, and Wi-Fi around the world
Musk Locks In SpaceX Control With Trillion-Dollar Stake | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk moves to make himself unfireable at SpaceX as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon back a rival D2D joint venture challenging Starlink Mobile.
Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
X Report 20 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, enhancing its global internet coverage as the company continues to dominate the satellite communications market.