STARLINK-1553 (46348)

COSPAR: 2020-062Z | Alt Name: Starlink 1553

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 3, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46348

International Designator

2020-062Z

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:06:23 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.03°

Right Ascension

121.79°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

115.39°

Period

93.34 min

Mean Motion

15.43 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-1553

Alternative Name

Starlink 1553

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46348U 20062Z   26184.04611108  .00027149  00000-0  61839-3 0  9990

2 46348  53.0349 121.7899 0003291 115.3934 244.7411 15.42765742323069

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1553 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink constellation, launched by SpaceX on September 3, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's payload includes a Ku/Ka-band communication system (all units) and prototypes featuring optical inter-satellite links. It is powered by Krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbital position. The mission aims to provide global internet coverage as part of SpaceX’s broader Starlink project.

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-L11-04

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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