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Explore today's major events in space, including military advancements in satellite tracking, new missile defenses, and significant defense funding decisions.
STARLINK-1943 (46795)
COSPAR: 2020-074BJ | Alt Name: Starlink 1943
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 24, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46795
International Designator
2020-074BJ
Decay Date
12/20/2021
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1943
Alternative Name
Starlink 1943
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1943 satellite, also known as Starlink 1943, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on October 24, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), STARLINK-1943 utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and is propelled by Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration, and it serves as part of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation designed to provide global internet coverage.
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-L14-53
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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