Starlink Constellation Size Nears 10,000, X Report 16 Mar 2026
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.
STARLINK-1542 (46073)
COSPAR: 2020-055AY | Alt Name: Starlink 1542
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46073
International Designator
2020-055AY
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:29:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
282.33°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.19°
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-1542
Alternative Name
Starlink 1542
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46073U 20055AY 26185.27066036 .00002681 00000-0 98100-4 0 9993
2 46073 53.1602 282.3322 0001092 85.1944 274.9182 15.31709466327045
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1542 is a communication satellite, part of the Starlink series, launched by SpaceX on August 7, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched at a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, STARLINK-1542 uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and it serves communication purposes within 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.
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-L9-20
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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