STARLINK-1651 (46366)

COSPAR: 2020-062AT | Alt Name: Starlink 1651

DECAYED

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

46366

International Designator

2020-062AT

Decay Date

3/2/2026

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1651

Alternative Name

Starlink 1651

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-1651 satellite, also known as Starlink 1651, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on September 3, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, some prototypes also feature optical inter-satellite links for enhanced communication. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while krypton ion thrusters are used for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure with an attached panel design.

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-L11-08

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

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