Space Brief 13 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in space satellite launches, military spending impacts on space, and notable developments from the Space Force and SpaceX.
STARLINK-1892 (46743)
COSPAR: 2020-074E | Alt Name: Starlink 1892
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 24, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46743
International Designator
2020-074E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:36:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
83.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
217.64°
Period
91.17 min
Mean Motion
15.79 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1892
Alternative Name
Starlink 1892
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46743U 20074E 26185.10884768 .00218970 00000-0 11579-2 0 9993
2 46743 53.0369 83.7581 0003172 217.6405 142.4394 15.79443846315289
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1892 satellite, also known as Starlink 1892, is operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and serves a communication mission. Launched on October 24, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite features dimensions of 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded as 248 kilograms, and it was launched at a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The shape is described as box plus pan configuration, and it operates under SpaceX ownership in the US.
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-L14-13
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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