Space Brief 11 Nov 2025
Record-breaking Chinese launches, SDA funding issues, and a new Starlink milestone highlight today's space news.
STARLINK-1587 (46157)
COSPAR: 2020-057AS | Alt Name: Starlink 1587
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46157
International Designator
2020-057AS
Epoch
Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:31:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
148.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
324.51°
Period
87.98 min
Mean Motion
16.37 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-1587
Alternative Name
Starlink 1587
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46157U 20057AS 26081.60494785 .09504374 12350-4 10024-2 0 9993
2 46157 53.0153 148.6664 0005528 324.5132 35.5544 16.36810891309558
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-1587 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-057AS) is a Starlink satellite launched on August 18, 2020, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), Launch Pad LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, it has a span of 9 meters and a dry mass of 248 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and includes optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Operated by SpaceX (SPXS), the primary purpose of STARLINK-1587 is to facilitate communication services as part of a broader constellation mission.
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-L10-04
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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