X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
STARLINK-1606 (46144)
COSPAR: 2020-057AD | Alt Name: Starlink 1606
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46144
International Designator
2020-057AD
Epoch
Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:31:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
63.71°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
251.37°
Period
87.49 min
Mean Motion
16.46 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-1606
Alternative Name
Starlink 1606
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46144U 20057AD 26178.60534532 .12348788 12485-4 27728-3 0 9999
2 46144 53.0197 63.7147 0008068 251.3723 108.6450 16.45963505312553
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1606 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-057AD) is a Starlink communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 18, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR), Launch Complex 40 (LC40), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The dry mass is recorded as 248 kg, while the launch mass was 260 kg. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and utilizes krypton ion thrusters for its propulsion system.
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-L10-22
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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