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STARLINK-1597 (46142)
COSPAR: 2020-057AB | Alt Name: Starlink 1597
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46142
International Designator
2020-057AB
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:13:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
83.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
157.91°
Period
91.05 min
Mean Motion
15.82 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-1597
Alternative Name
Starlink 1597
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46142U 20057AB 26185.00958132 .00193288 00000-0 93175-3 0 9990
2 46142 53.0376 83.0691 0003501 157.9084 202.2089 15.81536801324597
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1597 is a communication satellite from the Starlink constellation, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 18, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kg and has a dry mass of 248 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 propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," reflecting its unique design intended to facilitate communication missions.
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-L10-13
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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