STARLINK-1138 (45178)

COSPAR: 2020-012A | Alt Name: Starlink 1138

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45178

International Designator

2020-012A

Decay Date

1/24/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1138

Alternative Name

Starlink 1138

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-1138 satellite, also known as Starlink 1138, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 17, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. STARLINK-1138 is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and features optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The satellite's power system consists of solar arrays and batteries, and it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape can be described as box-shaped with a pan configuration.

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-L4-01

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 29 Apr 2025

Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.

Space Brief 27 Oct 2024

Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.

Starbase Pad 2 Preps for Booster 19, Starlink Disrupts Russian Comms | KeepTrack X Report

Starbase Pad 2 passes water-cooled deck test ahead of Booster 19. Starlink restrictions disrupt Russian battlefield communications. California city weighs banning Musk companies.

Space Force Requests $1.6B for New LEO Relay Network | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force scraps SDA transport layer, requests $1.6 billion for proliferated LEO SATCOM constellation. Roger Mason nominated to lead NRO.

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.

Space Brief 18 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.

Artemis 2 Crew Arrives for April 1 Lunar Flyby Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 astronauts arrive at KSC for April 1 launch. Four-person crew will fly lunar free-return trajectory, first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.

X Report 8 Dec 2025

SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.