STARLINK-1218 (45209)

COSPAR: 2020-012AH | Alt Name: Starlink 1218

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

45209

International Designator

2020-012AH

Decay Date

10/15/2022

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1218

Alternative Name

Starlink 1218

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

STARLINK-1218, also known as Starlink 1218, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and launched on February 17, 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, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communication systems (all), optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes), solar arrays, batteries for power, and krypton ion thrusters as propulsion motors. Its primary mission is to provide global internet connectivity as part of the Starlink constellation.

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-L4-32

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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