STARLINK-2079 (47364)

COSPAR: 2021-005R | Alt Name: Starlink 2079

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 20, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47364

International Designator

2021-005R

Decay Date

12/14/2021

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2079

Alternative Name

Starlink 2079

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-2079 satellite, also known as Starlink 2079, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 20, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kg, reducing to a dry mass of 248 kg after mission operations. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its motor system consists of krypton ion thrusters. The shape of STARLINK-2079 is described as box-shaped 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

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-L16-16

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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