Space Brief 3 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.
STARLINK-1493 (45759)
COSPAR: 2020-038AF | Alt Name: Starlink 1493
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 13, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45759
International Designator
2020-038AF
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:40:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
357.81°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
102.13°
Period
91.85 min
Mean Motion
15.68 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1493
Alternative Name
Starlink 1493
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45759U 20038AF 26185.07004587 .00076952 00000-0 68507-3 0 9994
2 45759 53.0461 357.8099 0004327 102.1291 258.0210 15.67815474334808
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1493 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX), launched on June 13, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It features a dry mass of 248 kilograms and had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite has a box-like shape with an additional pan feature but lacks specific details on its attitude control system or radar cross-section. Its primary mission is to facilitate communication services as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
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-L8-35
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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