STARLINK-1551 (46075)

COSPAR: 2020-055BA | Alt Name: Starlink 1551

Image
STARLINK-1551 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 7, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46075

International Designator

2020-055BA

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:25:52 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

280.67°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

79.78°

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-1551

Alternative Name

Starlink 1551

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46075U 20055BA  26184.97630196  .00000379  00000-0  23996-4 0  9998
2 46075  53.1576 280.6716 0001501  79.7751 280.3419 15.31699064327041

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1551 satellite, also known as Starlink 1551, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and part of the Starlink constellation. It was launched on August 7, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, the satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology (all) and includes optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. It uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries.

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-L9-25

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

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