Space Brief 11 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights pivotal defense budget evaluations, Lithuania's growing defense connections, the first CubeSat for ESA's Ramses mission, and the one-year milestone of the Aries satellite in orbit.
STARLINK-1121 (44929)
COSPAR: 2020-001R | Alt Name: Starlink 1121
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44929
International Designator
2020-001R
Decay Date
3/7/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1121
Alternative Name
Starlink 1121
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1121 satellite, also known as Starlink 1121, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on January 7, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span, it has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite is designed for communication purposes and features Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. It uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system to adjust its orbit. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure with a pan, and it was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) in the United States for communication missions.
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
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L2-16
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 23 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.
X Report 30 Apr 2025
SpaceX achieves a remarkable milestone with its 50th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, while Starlink continues to expand, facing competition from China's megaconstellation efforts.
Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026
Musk confirms Starmind, an AI satellite constellation targeting 1 million orbital compute nodes. Starfall's debut and Dragon's ISS departure follow.
X Report 21 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its 32nd cargo mission to the ISS, and NRO marks a milestone with over 200 satellites deployed.
X Report 17 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks another milestone and setback with Starship Flight 7, achieving a successful booster catch but losing the upper stage during ascent.
Space Brief 12 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers significant events including launch delays for SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, BepiColombo's landmark Mercury flyby, and the impact of Los Angeles fires on the space community.
The Day Earth Became a Pale Blue Dot
Thirty-five years ago, Voyager 1 captured a revolutionary series of images from the edge of our solar system, forever changing how humanity sees its place in the cosmos