Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights a Starlink satellite launch, an OpTech optical sensor contract for the Space Force, and a unique STEM experiment involving space-flown seeds.
STARLINK-1312 (45398)
COSPAR: 2020-019AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 1312
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45398
International Designator
2020-019AQ
Decay Date
11/10/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1312
Alternative Name
Starlink 1312
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1312 satellite, also known as Starlink 1312, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 18, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Its primary mission is communication, equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links for prototypes. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion relies on Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan and it is owned and manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX).
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-L5-55
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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