Understanding Earth's Orbits and Their Applications
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STARLINK-1640 (46173)
COSPAR: 2020-057BJ | Alt Name: Starlink 1640
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46173
International Designator
2020-057BJ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:17:11 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
86.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
138.94°
Period
91.20 min
Mean Motion
15.79 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-1640
Alternative Name
Starlink 1640
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46173U 20057BJ 26185.17861032 .00204697 00000-0 11049-2 0 9990
2 46173 53.0372 86.4497 0003768 138.9424 221.1880 15.79027546324564
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1640 satellite, also known as Starlink 1640, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink constellation. Launched on August 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, this satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when its components are deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. The payload includes Ku/Ka-band communications equipment (on all units) and optical inter-satellite links (in prototype form). Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape design intended for communication purposes.
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-L10-54
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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