X Report 30 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for major Starlink launch, while Starship developments continue to shape commercial spacefrontiers.
STARLINK-1656 (46353)
COSPAR: 2020-062AE | Alt Name: Starlink 1656
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 3, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46353
International Designator
2020-062AE
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:18:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
148.69°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
138.77°
Period
91.38 min
Mean Motion
15.76 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-1656
Alternative Name
Starlink 1656
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46353U 20062AE 26185.26307203 .00167111 00000-0 10477-2 0 9994
2 46353 53.0392 148.6918 0001771 138.7668 221.3485 15.75781103322782
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1656, also known as Starlink 1656, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on September 3, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it weighed 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with a pan design, but specific details on its ADCS system and RCS are not provided.
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-L11-12
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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