Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
STARLINK-1706 (46560)
COSPAR: 2020-070AE | Alt Name: Starlink 1706
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46560
International Designator
2020-070AE
Decay Date
6/16/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1706
Alternative Name
Starlink 1706
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1706 satellite, also known as Starlink 1706, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on October 6, 2020, from LC39A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are extended. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries for power. Its mission and primary purpose are communication services.
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-L12-37
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
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