STARLINK-1540 (46051)

COSPAR: 2020-055AA | Alt Name: Starlink 1540

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 7, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46051

International Designator

2020-055AA

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:53:10 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

291.73°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

87.73°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 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-1540

Alternative Name

Starlink 1540

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46051U 20055AA  26185.28692400 -.00002833  00000-0 -79534-4 0  9991

2 46051  53.1596 291.7307 0001442  87.7282 272.3885 15.31707279326942

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1540, also known as Starlink 1540, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 7, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. STARLINK-1540 uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission focuses on providing communication services.

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

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-L9-18

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

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Longitude

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