STARLINK-11278 [DTC] (60990)

COSPAR: 2024-158A | Alt Name: Starlink 11278

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 5, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

60990

International Designator

2024-158A

Decay Date

9/12/2024

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-11278 [DTC]

Alternative Name

Starlink 11278

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The satellite STARLINK-11278 [DTC], also known as Starlink 11278, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. It was launched on September 5, 2024, from the LC40 launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with D2C payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. Owned and operated by SPXS, the satellite’s purpose is to enhance communication capabilities as part of the Starlink Group 8-11-01 constellation mission.

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

0.3

Diameter

4.1

Span

Dry Mass

700

Launch Mass

730

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink Group 8-11-01

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

SPXS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Starlink V2M

Configuration

Starlink v2 Mini

Motor

Argon ion thrusters

Equipment

D2C payload, optical inter-satellite link

Power System

Solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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