Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
STARLINK-1557 (46034)
COSPAR: 2020-055H | Alt Name: Starlink 1557
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46034
International Designator
2020-055H
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:29:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
306.05°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
84.14°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1557
Alternative Name
Starlink 1557
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46034U 20055H 26185.06200226 -.00003593 00000-0 -10405-3 0 9994
2 46034 53.1581 306.0477 0001410 84.1374 275.9788 15.31706307326686
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1557 satellite, also known as Starlink 1557, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on August 7, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (few prototypes), it is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's mission is communication, and it was manufactured by SpaceX.
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-L9-30
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
China Caps Record Year With 92 Orbital Launches, New Reusable Rocket Planned | KeepTrack Space Brief
China hits record 92 orbital launches in 2025. Vandenberg opens new launch site for providers. Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects.
Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
The Rocket That Refused to Sink
On April 18, 2014, a Falcon 9 first stage did something no orbital rocket had ever done before. It fired its engines on the way down, steered itself through the atmosphere using grid fins that did not yet exist, and touched the Atlantic Ocean softly enough to survive the impact. Nobody recovered it. The data was the whole point.
NASA Announces First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation via SpaceX Crew Dragon | KeepTrack X Report
NASA plans first-ever medical evacuation from ISS using SpaceX Crew Dragon for Crew-11 astronaut. Starlink 6-96 mission scrubbed and rescheduled. Starbase Pad 1 tower and launch mount under review.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus, Lofts ViaSat-3 F3 | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon Heavy completed its 12th flight ever on April 29, ending an 18-month stand-down by lofting the 6-ton ViaSat-3 F3 comsat to GTO.
SpaceX Accuses Amazon of Debris Violations at FCC | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX filed an FCC complaint against Amazon over orbital debris violations as Starship V3 gets a maiden voyage date and a $178.5M Space Force deal lands.
Space Brief 14 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.