STARLINK-81 (44292)

COSPAR: 2019-029BK | Alt Name: Starlink 81
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-81 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 24, 2019

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

44292

International Designator

2019-029BK

Decay Date

10/4/2020

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-81

Alternative Name

Starlink 81

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STARLINK-81 is a Starlink communication satellite owned by SPXS and operated under the US. It was launched on May 24, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters, with a dry mass of 219 kilograms and a launch mass of 227 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku-band payload for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box plus 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.
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 V0.9-58

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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