Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
STARLINK-1859 (47146)
COSPAR: 2020-088AA | Alt Name: Starlink 1859
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 25, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47146
International Designator
2020-088AA
Decay Date
4/3/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1859
Alternative Name
Starlink 1859
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Starlink-1859 satellite, also known as Starlink 1859, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on November 25, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Launch Complex 40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It is designed for communication purposes, utilizing krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as a box 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.
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-L15-25
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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