STARLINK-1081 (44962)

COSPAR: 2020-001BA | Alt Name: Starlink 1081
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-1081 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 7, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

44962

International Designator

2020-001BA

Decay Date

9/30/2021

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1081

Alternative Name

Starlink 1081

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The Starlink satellite, identified by NORAD CAT ID 44962 and OBJECT ID 2020-001BA, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on January 7, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), some prototypes also feature optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power, and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's structure is described as box-shaped with a pan design, intended primarily for communication missions 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-L2-49

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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