STARLINK-1559 (46077)

COSPAR: 2020-055BC | Alt Name: Starlink 1559

Image
STARLINK-1559 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 7, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46077

International Designator

2020-055BC

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:21:41 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

248.30°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

3.77°

Period

93.45 min

Mean Motion

15.41 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-1559

Alternative Name

Starlink 1559

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46077U 20055BC  26184.89006907  .00073004  00000-0  17413-2 0  9998
2 46077  53.0216 248.2967 0003766   3.7656 356.3375 15.40914538327431

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1559 satellite, also known as Starlink 1559, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on August 7, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters with its solar arrays deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communication systems (all), it also features optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes for enhanced connectivity. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system utilizes Krypton ion thrusters. The primary mission of STARLINK-1559 is to support global communication services as part of the larger Starlink network operated by SpaceX.

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-L9-32

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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