The 200th Starlink mission successfully started today, one day late. Here all the details.
This 200th Starlink mission launched an additional 20 Starlink satellites into space. The means of transport was a Falcon 9 rocket, which was launched from the Space Launch Complex SLC-4E at Vanderberg Space Force Base in California, USA, at 1:07 p.m. CET. The Vanderberg Space Force Base is located around 230 km northeast of Los Angeles, directly on the Pacific coast.
How did the start go?
The rocket was launched at 5:07 a.m. local time. So still in the dark. At least according to the live broadcast, it was a very short flight. Barely 3 minutes after launch, the reusable lower rocket stage was separated and landed on a floating platform in the Pacific after 8 minutes.
The suspension of the 20 Starlinks was not broadcast. But it is assumed that they were released at a maximum altitude of 150 km.
What details are there about the Starlink satellites?
There are several variants of Starlink satellites, depending on the task. The models are also being further developed. Of the 20 satellites launched today, 13 are so-called Direct to Cell satellites. Not only does it provide access to the Internet, you can also use it to send text messages and even make phone calls.
Each of the 20 satellites was built in Redmont, Washington, USA and weighs 800 kg. With the solar panels folded out, they have a wingspan of 30 m each. The satellites have Argon Hall thrusters as their propulsion system, with which they can perform maneuvers in orbit. For example, when they have to avoid debris, i.e. space junk.
The satellites will be placed in an orbit at an altitude of 290 km, where they will fly around the Earth at an inclination of 53 degrees. This mission brought 20 additional Starlink internet satellites into orbit. This means there are currently 7,186 Starlink satellites in orbit.
When will the next Starlink satellites launch?
The next Starlink satellite launch is imminent. Tomorrow, October 31, 2024 at 10:10 p.m. German time. This time the launch will be from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This 201st mission will launch another 20 Starlinks into space. A live stream will be available at the start at this link:
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Source: www.digitalfernsehen.de
