Space Brief 1 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.
STARLINK-1144 (44933)
COSPAR: 2020-001V | Alt Name: Starlink 1144
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44933
International Designator
2020-001V
Decay Date
2/14/2026
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1144
Alternative Name
Starlink 1144
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-1144, also known as Starlink 1144, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on January 7, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms and its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape is described as a box with a pan design. The satellite's purpose is to support communication services as part of the Starlink V1.0-L2-20 payload 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
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-L2-20
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
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