C-Band
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STARLINK-1496 (45780)
COSPAR: 2020-038BC | Alt Name: Starlink 1496
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 13, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45780
International Designator
2020-038BC
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:05:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
333.17°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
330.54°
Period
91.60 min
Mean Motion
15.72 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1496
Alternative Name
Starlink 1496
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45780U 20038BC 26184.71217568 .00089307 00000-0 66703-3 0 9997
2 45780 53.0472 333.1664 0004361 330.5362 29.5409 15.71990299335113
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1496 is a communication satellite, also known as Starlink 1496, belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on June 13, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Pad LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Its shape is described as box + pan, and it operates in low Earth orbit for communication purposes 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-L8-38
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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