STARLINK-1627 (46168)

COSPAR: 2020-057BD | Alt Name: Starlink 1627

Image
STARLINK-1627 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46168

International Designator

2020-057BD

Epoch

Sun, 24 May 2026 14:44:34 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.01°

Right Ascension

198.56°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

288.01°

Period

87.43 min

Mean Motion

16.47 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-1627

Alternative Name

Starlink 1627

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46168U 20057BD  26144.61429156  .12729423  12590-4  24284-3 0  9994
2 46168  53.0143 198.5600 0006133 288.0143  72.0238 16.46995398319422

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1627 satellite, also known as Starlink 1627, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on August 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, and its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. The satellite weighs around 260 kilograms at launch, reducing to 248 kilograms after deployment, and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its primary mission is to support global communication services as part of the Starlink constellation.

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-L10-41

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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