STARLINK-1709 (46561)

COSPAR: 2020-070AF | Alt Name: Starlink 1709
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-1709 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 6, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46561

International Designator

2020-070AF

Decay Date

2/9/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1709

Alternative Name

Starlink 1709

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STARLINK-1709, also known as Starlink 1709, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on October 6, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite’s shape is described as box + pan, and its mission is to provide 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.
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-L12-39

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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