STARLINK-1161 (45068)

COSPAR: 2020-006AA | Alt Name: Starlink 1161

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45068

International Designator

2020-006AA

Decay Date

7/17/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1161

Alternative Name

Starlink 1161

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-1161 satellite, also known as Starlink 1161 and identified by NORAD CAT ID 45068 and OBJECT ID 2020-006AA, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on January 29, 2020. Launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite features a box-shaped structure with solar arrays for power generation and includes a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links in prototype form. Equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, it serves the communication mission as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation project.

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-L3-25

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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