STARLINK-1608 (46146)

COSPAR: 2020-057AF | Alt Name: Starlink 1608

Image
STARLINK-1608 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46146

International Designator

2020-057AF

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:49:26 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

125.86°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

67.71°

Period

93.59 min

Mean Motion

15.39 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-1608

Alternative Name

Starlink 1608

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46146U 20057AF  26185.11766424  .00078703  00000-0  20243-2 0  9996
2 46146  53.1568 125.8595 0005369  67.7148 292.4425 15.38579683324048

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-1608, also known as Starlink 1608, is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on August 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), solar arrays, and batteries for power, the satellite is used for communication purposes and is stabilized using krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan and is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation mission to provide 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

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-L10-24

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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