Space Brief 3 Nov 2024
Today focuses on Blue Origin's preparation for New Glenn's debut, SpaceX Crew-9's ISS maneuver, the importance of U.S.-China cooperation in space, and breathtaking ISS photography.
STARLINK-1683 (46578)
COSPAR: 2020-070AY | Alt Name: Starlink 1683
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46578
International Designator
2020-070AY
Epoch
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:06:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
52.99°
Right Ascension
211.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
299.41°
Period
87.78 min
Mean Motion
16.40 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-1683
Alternative Name
Starlink 1683
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46578U 20070AY 26111.54607502 .05048182 12433-4 33804-3 0 9995
2 46578 52.9930 211.0129 0010211 299.4118 60.5908 16.40478612307822
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1683 satellite, also known as Starlink 1683, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on October 6, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology (standard across all Starlink satellites) and optical inter-satellite links (present on a few prototypes). Power generation comes from solar arrays supported by batteries. The spacecraft employs Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped body with an additional pan configuration, serving its primary mission of providing 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-L12-22
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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