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STARLINK-1556 (46033)
COSPAR: 2020-055G | Alt Name: Starlink 1556
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46033
International Designator
2020-055G
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:18:07 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
308.15°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
100.41°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-1556
Alternative Name
Starlink 1556
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46033U 20055G 26184.59591883 -.00001529 00000-0 -37542-4 0 9991
2 46033 53.1590 308.1546 0000768 100.4115 259.6973 15.31699000326614
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1556 satellite, also known as Starlink 1556, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 7, 2020, from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kg and was launched with a total mass of 260 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure augmented with solar panels.
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-L9-29
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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