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-1968 (47569)
COSPAR: 2021-009X | Alt Name: Starlink 1968
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47569
International Designator
2021-009X
Decay Date
12/10/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1968
Alternative Name
Starlink 1968
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-1968 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and was launched on February 4, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a dry mass of 248 kg and measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), solar arrays for power generation, batteries, and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Manufactured by SpaceX, the purpose of this satellite is to provide communication services as part of Starlink's V1.0-L18-22 payload 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-L18-22
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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