Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
STARLINK-1969 (47570)
COSPAR: 2021-009Y | Alt Name: Starlink 1969
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47570
International Designator
2021-009Y
Decay Date
9/18/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1969
Alternative Name
Starlink 1969
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-1969 is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 4, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this Starlink satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and launched at a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (few prototypes), it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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-L18-23
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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