# Starlink 1130

> Starlink constellation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q123127925](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123127925)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/starlink-1130

## Summary
Starlink 1130 is a communications satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft launched by SpaceX as part of its Starlink constellation. It was deployed on January 7, 2020, aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket and is notable for its experimental light-abatement technology.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 7, 2020, at 02:19:21 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Operator and Manufacturer**: SpaceX.
- **Mass**: Approximately 260 kg (launch weight).
- **Designation**: COSPAR ID 2020-001U; NSSDCA ID 2020-001U.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1049).
- **Aliases**: DarkSat, Starlink V1.0-L2-19.
- **Technology Role**: Demonstrated experimental light-abatement technology to reduce satellite reflectivity.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Starlink 1130's primary function?
A: Starlink 1130 serves as a communications satellite within SpaceX's Starlink constellation, providing broadband internet services, while also testing experimental light-abatement technology to mitigate orbital brightness.

### Q: When and where was Starlink 1130 launched?
A: It was launched on January 7, 2020, at 02:19:21 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: Why is Starlink 1130 called "DarkSat"?
A: "DarkSat" is an alias reflecting its role as a technology demonstration spacecraft testing light-abatement coatings to reduce satellite reflectivity and minimize interference with astronomical observations.

### Q: What makes Starlink 1130 unique among Starlink satellites?
A: It is one of the first Starlink satellites to feature experimental darkening technology aimed at reducing its brightness in orbit, addressing concerns about light pollution from satellite constellations.

## Why It Matters
Starlink 1130 represents a critical step in balancing satellite deployment with astronomical science. Its light-abatement experiment directly addresses the growing issue of satellite constellations interfering with ground-based telescopes. By testing darker materials and coatings, SpaceX aims to mitigate orbital brightness without compromising satellite functionality. This initiative sets a precedent for responsible space infrastructure development, ensuring that advancements in global internet access do not come at the cost of scientific discovery. The data from Starlink 1130 informs future satellite designs and industry-wide standards for minimizing space debris and light pollution.

## Notable For
- **First Light-Abatement Test**: Pioneered experimental coatings to reduce satellite reflectivity, addressing concerns about light pollution in astronomy.
- **DarkSat Alias**: Unofficial name highlighting its role in testing darker satellite surfaces.
- **Early V1.0 Variant**: Part of the initial Starlink V1.0 batch focused on constellation deployment and technology validation.
- **Falcon 9 Block 5 Launch**: Deployed via SpaceX's most advanced orbital-class rocket, emphasizing reliability and reusability.

## Body
### Overview
Starlink 1130 is a communications satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft operated by SpaceX. It belongs to the Starlink constellation, designed to provide global broadband internet coverage. The satellite was launched on January 7, 2020, and is part of an early batch testing both operational capabilities and experimental technologies.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 260 kg (launch weight).
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Design**: Inherits the V1.0 satellite architecture with added light-abatement features.
- **Reflectivity**: Coated with experimental materials to reduce brightness, a response to astronomical community concerns.

### Mission and Technology
- **Primary Role**: Communications relay for the Starlink network.
- **Technology Demonstration**: Featured "DarkSat" technology, applying darker surfaces to minimize sunlight reflection. This aimed to mitigate interference with optical astronomy.
- **Operator and Manufacturer**: SpaceX, with in-house production at its facilities.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1049).
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Launch Time**: January 7, 2020, at 02:19:21 UTC.
- **Deployment**: Successfully deployed into low Earth orbit as part of the Starlink constellation's initial deployment phase.

### Significance
Starlink 1130's light-abatement experiment marked a pivotal effort to reconcile satellite proliferation with scientific observation. By testing darker materials, SpaceX gathered data to refine future satellite designs, potentially setting industry standards for reducing orbital brightness. This addresses critical challenges in space sustainability and astronomy preservation.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/starlink-v1-0.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. SATCAT