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STARLINK-1686 (46328)
COSPAR: 2020-062D | Alt Name: Starlink 1686
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 3, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46328
International Designator
2020-062D
Epoch
Sat, 30 May 2026 13:17:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
259.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
285.89°
Period
87.47 min
Mean Motion
16.46 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1686
Alternative Name
Starlink 1686
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46328U 20062D 26150.55347537 .12787676 12574-4 27019-3 0 9995
2 46328 53.0162 259.2163 0007910 285.8915 74.1262 16.46286842318185
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1686 is a communication satellite under the Starlink program, operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on September 3, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, it also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power supply consists of solar arrays and batteries.
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-L11-21
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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