Space Brief 13 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the inaugural national security mission of ULA's Vulcan Centaur, the Space Force's 2026 budget insights, and shifts in military drone technology.
STARLINK-1567 (46038)
COSPAR: 2020-055M | Alt Name: Starlink 1567
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46038
International Designator
2020-055M
Epoch
Sat, 09 May 2026 21:57:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.07°
Right Ascension
182.55°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.81°
Period
87.77 min
Mean Motion
16.41 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1567
Alternative Name
Starlink 1567
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46038U 20055M 26129.91495522 .10208208 12394-4 67510-3 0 9996
2 46038 53.0669 182.5473 0005674 278.8115 81.2290 16.40744495318521
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1567 satellite, also known as Starlink 1567, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on August 7, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center's LC39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (as prototypes), the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), STARLINK-1567 is owned by the same entity and serves a communication mission in low Earth orbit.
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-L9-40
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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