Space Brief 12 Nov 2024
Latest updates include China's Lijian-1 launching 15 satellites, a fiery Starlink reentry, SpaceX's milestone Falcon 9 booster landing, and China's support for its commercial space sector.
STARLINK-1632 (46170)
COSPAR: 2020-057BF | Alt Name: Starlink 1632
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46170
International Designator
2020-057BF
Decay Date
9/12/2021
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1632
Alternative Name
Starlink 1632
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1632, also known as Starlink 1632, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs around 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, the satellite relies on solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Propulsion is provided by krypton ion thrusters. The design includes a box shape with a pan configuration and serves as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation aimed at providing global communication services.
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-L10-46
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
Designed for a two-year mission to catch gamma-ray bursts in the act, Swift is now 21 years old, slowly falling out of the sky, and the subject of an unprecedented private rescue mission. Nobody planned for it to be this hard to let go.
X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
X Report 15 Jun 2025
SpaceX explores new horizons with Starship's point-to-point travel announcement and reports significant Starlink deployment progress.
Space Brief 12 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers significant events including launch delays for SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, BepiColombo's landmark Mercury flyby, and the impact of Los Angeles fires on the space community.
Gunter's Space Page
Why this unassuming website has become the backbone of space research for enthusiasts and professionals alike
Space Brief 5 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.
X Report 25 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves new milestones with back-to-back launches for the NRO while preparing for groundbreaking crewed polar mission FRAM2.