STARLINK-1612 (46164)

COSPAR: 2020-057AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 1612

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

46164

International Designator

2020-057AZ

Epoch

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:08:13 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.01°

Right Ascension

354.15°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

259.67°

Period

87.82 min

Mean Motion

16.40 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-1612

Alternative Name

Starlink 1612

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46164U 20057AZ  26111.04737497  .09193419  12331-4  68278-3 0  9991

2 46164  53.0140 354.1495 0008195 259.6709 100.3413 16.39726241315561

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1612 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on August 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, having a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (some prototypes), krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan, and it operates under the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX.

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-L10-27

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

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