STARLINK-1070 (44956)

COSPAR: 2020-001AU | Alt Name: Starlink 1070

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 7, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

44956

International Designator

2020-001AU

Decay Date

12/22/2023

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1070

Alternative Name

Starlink 1070

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The Starlink-1070 satellite, also known as 2020-001AU and operated by SPXS (SpaceX), was launched on January 7, 2020, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, it has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), Starlink-1070 is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink V1.0-L2-43 payload configuration, featuring a box-shaped body with an extended pan design.

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

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-L2-43

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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