Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
STARLINK-1196 (45103)
COSPAR: 2020-006BM | Alt Name: Starlink 1196
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 29, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45103
International Designator
2020-006BM
Decay Date
8/25/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1196
Alternative Name
Starlink 1196
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1196, also known as Starlink 1196, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on January 29, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Box + pan with dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms and its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. It is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and its primary mission is communication purposes.
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-L3-60
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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