STARLINK-1657 (46354)

COSPAR: 2020-062AF | Alt Name: Starlink 1657

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

46354

International Designator

2020-062AF

Epoch

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:42:05 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

167.83°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

303.67°

Period

87.67 min

Mean Motion

16.43 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-1657

Alternative Name

Starlink 1657

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46354U 20062AF  26100.02922900  .11548918  12481-4  60082-3 0  9991

2 46354  53.0229 167.8301 0004988 303.6689  56.3882 16.42597143309988

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1657 satellite, also known as Starlink 1657, is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on September 3, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it serves communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with some prototypes featuring optical inter-satellite links. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and its launch mass was 260 kilograms. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as motors. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with a pan configuration.

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-L11-13

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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Latitude

Longitude

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