Space Brief 25 Aug 2024
Today's Space Brief covers NASA's decision on Starliner, SpaceX's preparations for the Polaris Dawn mission, and updates on various space activities. Also featured is an in-depth look at the Hubble Space Telescope.
STARLINK-1888 (47171)
COSPAR: 2020-088BB | Alt Name: Starlink 1888
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 25, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47171
International Designator
2020-088BB
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:22:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
77.35°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
189.42°
Period
91.48 min
Mean Motion
15.74 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1888
Alternative Name
Starlink 1888
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47171U 20088BB 26183.97426789 .00110915 00000-0 75266-3 0 9996
2 47171 53.0458 77.3542 0001243 189.4235 170.6760 15.74155929310152
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1888 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS and belongs to the Starlink constellation. Launched on November 25, 2020, from LC40 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 deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and weighed 260 kg at launch. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power generation. Its 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-L15-50
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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