STARLINK-1680 (46558)

COSPAR: 2020-070AC | Alt Name: Starlink 1680

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

46558

International Designator

2020-070AC

Epoch

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:49:23 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

171.52°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

291.92°

Period

87.51 min

Mean Motion

16.46 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-1680

Alternative Name

Starlink 1680

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46558U 20070AC  26127.03430032  .13002747  12543-4  34893-3 0  9993

2 46558  53.0160 171.5175 0004238 291.9176  68.1422 16.45526119309717

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1680 is a Starlink satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2020-070AC, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on October 6, 2020, from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 248 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), STARLINK-1680 is designed for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with panels that can be deployed.

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-L12-19

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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Longitude

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