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STARLINK-1566 (46079)
COSPAR: 2020-055BE | Alt Name: Starlink 1566
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46079
International Designator
2020-055BE
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:28:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
278.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.96°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-1566
Alternative Name
Starlink 1566
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46079U 20055BE 26185.22790443 -.00000240 00000-0 40492-5 0 9992
2 46079 53.1621 278.9365 0001489 83.9627 276.1544 15.31708184327091
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1566 satellite, also known as Starlink 1566, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. Launched on August 7, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SpaceX, the satellite's shape is described as box + pan configuration.
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-L9-39
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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