STARLINK-1648 (46533)

COSPAR: 2020-070B | Alt Name: Starlink 1648

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 6, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46533

International Designator

2020-070B

Epoch

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:24:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.03°

Right Ascension

18.78°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

230.31°

Period

87.75 min

Mean Motion

16.41 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-1648

Alternative Name

Starlink 1648

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46533U 20070B   26089.30838089  .10839954  12328-4  68759-3 0  9991

2 46533  53.0282  18.7772 0005930 230.3137 129.7387 16.41067097303522

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-1648 satellite, also known as Starlink 1648, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on October 6, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are extended. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), it includes optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes for enhanced communication. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as motors, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries to store energy. Its design is described as box-shaped with additional pan elements.

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-L12-03

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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