STARLINK-1578 (46082)

COSPAR: 2020-055BH | Alt Name: Starlink 1578

Image
STARLINK-1578 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 7, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46082

International Designator

2020-055BH

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:18:39 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

280.65°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

74.52°

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-1578

Alternative Name

Starlink 1578

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46082U 20055BH  26184.97129619 -.00000021  00000-0  11098-4 0  9994
2 46082  53.1600 280.6485 0001343  74.5238 285.5912 15.31698908327048

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite STARLINK-1578, also known as Starlink 1578, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on August 7, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kg with an initial launch mass of 260 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor. Its primary mission is communication, designed in a box shape with a 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.
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-L9-50

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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