Were MicrosatA-B represetative of final design for Starlink?

Question

The reason I ask is that when you need to launch 4400 satellites packing them tightly to get as many on a launch as possible is a huge component.

The possible numbers were discussed int this question:

How many SpaceX Starlink Internet-service satellites could be deployed in a single Falcon 9 launch? Falcon Heavy? BFR?

From the PAZ-1 launch (Feb 2018) that launched MicroSat A and B, the first two test satellites, we got this image of the satellites on the adapter.

These do NOT look very optimized for packing, with bits sticking out.

The shiny thing in the middle is the adapter, the two satellites are on the side and you can see the main bus (Black) and then the antennas folded in.

For this launch, mass and space were not issues since PAZ is kind of small.

For first iterations it might make sense to simply test the core components and not focus on the origami aspects yet. But the question is, did they? Is that a correct assessment?

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 22 '18 at 18:39

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No. This could not possibly be the final design because this article on Space.com, SpaceX Launches 1st Test for Starlink..., states that the Starlink constellation has not yet been approved by the FCC. Changes are almost guaranteed to be implemented even if the basic structure and shape of the satellite remains the same. Not to mention, revisions happen to hardware all the time. Even if this is the initial design for the start of the constellation, Musk wants to launch upwards for 4000 of these satellites. Design is almost guaranteed to change over time.

answered Feb 22 '18 at 18:39

Rickest Rick

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When planning on launching 4400 satellites I guess more than 2 test satellites are likely to be used. Iterating I guess. – geoffc Feb 22 '18 at 18:55
@geoffc indeed! – Rickest Rick Feb 22 '18 at 19:10
@geoffc did this answer your question? – Rickest Rick Mar 08 '18 at 16:45
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update: FCC authorizes Elon Musk's SpaceX to provide broadband satellite services, and also FCC approves SpaceX’s ambitious satellite internet plans – uhoh Apr 05 '18 at 19:02

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 11 '19 at 21:31

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Confirmed: This was NOT the final design for the Starlink Satellites. The photo below shows a Falcon 9 fairing filled with 60 Starlink satellites that have a decidedly different design. This new desgin allowed SpaceX to flat-pack more in a fairing per launch.

answered Dec 11 '19 at 21:31

Rickest Rick

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60 per launch is pretty nutty. With 120 or so in orbit they are already one of the largest satellite operators in the world. If they launch again in Dec 2019, that will take them to 180 ish (Some deorbited from first 60 due to failures and some on purpose to test deorbit process) and #1 in the world. Crazy stuff. I love it. – geoffc Dec 11 '19 at 21:45
What about the source of the photo? – TooTea Dec 12 '19 at 14:34

Were MicrosatA-B represetative of final design for Starlink?

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