STARLINK-1173 (45084)

COSPAR: 2020-006AS | Alt Name: Starlink 1173

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

45084

International Designator

2020-006AS

Decay Date

10/29/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1173

Alternative Name

Starlink 1173

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-1173 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-006AS) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on January 29, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched at a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, along with optical inter-satellite links (found on a few prototypes), the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. The manufacturer of STARLINK-1173 is SpaceX (SPXS), and it serves communication purposes as part of its mission objectives.

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-L3-41

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.

Space Brief 11 Sep 2025

Key updates today focus on SpaceX's latest satellite launch for the U.S. military, critical space resource assessments by the U.S. Space Force, and new developments in space infrastructure and equipment for defense operations.

X Report 4 Dec 2025

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites and received approval for a new Starship launch site, while facing challenges with crew assignments on upcoming missions.

X Report 16 Dec 2024

SpaceX announces SPHEREx launch date for February 2025, and Airbus completes delivery of Thuraya 4 satellite for upcoming launch.

Space Brief 4 Jun 2025

Key developments include China's Shijian 26 satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's BAE Systems contract for missile-tracking satellites, and military advancements in space systems.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.

House Backs $55.5B Space Force Budget, Excludes $350B Reconciliation | KeepTrack Space Brief

House appropriators approved $55.5 billion for Space Force but omitted $350 billion reconciliation funds, threatening Golden Dome and large-scale space programs' acquisition timelines.

The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers

Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space

The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun

Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction