STARLINK-1541 (46052)

COSPAR: 2020-055AB | Alt Name: Starlink 1541

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

46052

International Designator

2020-055AB

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

264.12°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

350.23°

Period

90.14 min

Mean Motion

15.98 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-1541

Alternative Name

Starlink 1541

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46052U 20055AB  26185.33336806  .00387110  72686-4  84574-3 0  9997

2 46052  53.1515 264.1162 0013007 350.2337 308.9933 15.97538796  6039

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1541 satellite, also known as Starlink 1541, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on August 7, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), it operates primarily for communication purposes using solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system, contributing to its mission in the 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.

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-L9-19

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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