X Report 30 Aug 2025
SpaceX impresses with the successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites and shares stunning visuals from the recent Starship Flight 10, which demonstrated remarkable landing precision.
STARLINK-1663 (46535)
COSPAR: 2020-070D | Alt Name: Starlink 1663
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46535
International Designator
2020-070D
Epoch
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:35:58 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
282.61°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
310.80°
Period
87.94 min
Mean Motion
16.38 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1663
Alternative Name
Starlink 1663
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46535U 20070D 26182.52497703 .06895339 12377-4 66074-3 0 9991
2 46535 53.0163 282.6120 0009270 310.8021 49.2219 16.37539101318091
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1663 satellite, also known as Starlink 1663, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on October 6, 2020, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Weighing 248 kilograms dry, it carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters, and its power supply consists of solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is used for communication purposes as part of SpaceX's mission to provide global internet coverage through the Starlink constellation.
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-L12-08
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
Starlink Update: March 2024
As of March 2024, SpaceX's Starlink has made remarkable strides in its quest to provide global broadband internet access. With an astounding number of satellites already in orbit and ambitious plans for expansion, Starlink is on track to dominate Earth's orbit in the coming years.
Lagrange Points
Five spots in the Earth-Sun system where the gravitational tug of two massive bodies and the pull of circular motion all cancel out, creating gravitational parking spaces where spacecraft can sit for decades with almost no fuel.
Space Brief 16 Sep 2025
Today's brief highlights the impact of military spending and technology competition on the space economy, new satellite connectivity partnerships, and defense spending pledges in Europe.
Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.
Space Force Stands Up SPACEFOR-NORTH for Homeland Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force inaugurates SPACEFOR-NORTH at Peterson SFB for homeland defense. Viridian inks AFRL satellite agreement. HASC chair seeks $450B defense fund.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.