STARLINK-1681 (46559)

COSPAR: 2020-070AD | Alt Name: Starlink 1681

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

46559

International Designator

2020-070AD

Epoch

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:52:14 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.03°

Right Ascension

181.64°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

319.55°

Period

87.38 min

Mean Motion

16.48 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-1681

Alternative Name

Starlink 1681

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46559U 20070AD  26118.03628272  .15572839  12659-4  24570-3 0  9994

2 46559  53.0252 181.6434 0005677 319.5481  40.5146 16.48036429308814

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1681 satellite, also known as Starlink 1681, is owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX) for communication purposes. It was launched on October 6, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped structure 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.

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-L12-20

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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Latitude

Longitude

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Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

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