STARLINK-1630 (46132)

COSPAR: 2020-057R | Alt Name: Starlink 1630

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 18, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46132

International Designator

2020-057R

Decay Date

1/25/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1630

Alternative Name

Starlink 1630

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-1630 satellite, also known as Starlink 1630, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and part of the Starlink constellation. Launched on August 18, 2020, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a bus configuration and measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It was launched with a mass of 260 kg and has a dry mass of 248 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology, optical inter-satellite links (for prototypes), and solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. Its propulsion system utilizes Krypton ion thrusters to maneuver in space. The purpose of this satellite is to provide communication services as part of the broader Starlink mission to offer global internet coverage.

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

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-L10-44

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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