X Report 16 Nov 2024
SpaceX preps for Starship Flight 6 while Shotwell predicts Starship's future impact. Impulse Space secures Falcon 9 launches, and potential shifts in US space policy loom.
STARLINK-1678 (46538)
COSPAR: 2020-070G | Alt Name: Starlink 1678
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46538
International Designator
2020-070G
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:32:59 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
252.38°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
345.20°
Period
89.79 min
Mean Motion
16.04 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1678
Alternative Name
Starlink 1678
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46538U 20070G 26184.48124014 .00661419 21975-3 10060-2 0 9993
2 46538 53.0243 252.3786 0011831 345.2039 14.8643 16.03778852318698
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1678 satellite, also known as Starlink 1678, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on October 6, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs approximately 248 kilograms when dry and had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink V1.0-L12-17 payload, operated by SpaceX in the United States. The satellite has a box shape 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.
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-L12-17
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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