Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026
Rocket Lab Neutron launch schedule holds at Q4 2026 for the first flight as a five-launch contract lands; barge recovery starts on flight two.
STARLINK-1549 (46074)
COSPAR: 2020-055AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 1549
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46074
International Designator
2020-055AZ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:30:58 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
279.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
35.80°
Period
93.88 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-1549
Alternative Name
Starlink 1549
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46074U 20055AZ 26185.22984857 .00086980 00000-0 25975-2 0 9991
2 46074 53.0486 279.3702 0001293 35.7957 324.3131 15.33886150327065
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1549 satellite, also known as Starlink 1549, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 7, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded as 248 kilograms with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with panels, and its primary purpose is communication.
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-L9-24
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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