Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
STARLINK-1736 (46585)
COSPAR: 2020-070BF | Alt Name: Starlink 1736
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46585
International Designator
2020-070BF
Epoch
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:26:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
341.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
289.17°
Period
87.58 min
Mean Motion
16.44 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-1736
Alternative Name
Starlink 1736
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46585U 20070BF 26166.72677522 .11013613 12531-4 34518-3 0 9992
2 46585 53.0176 341.7037 0009240 289.1749 70.8299 16.44221652315885
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-1736 satellite, also known as Starlink 1736 and designated by NORAD CAT ID 46585, was launched on October 6, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 248 kg dry and had an initial launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communications capability, optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes), solar arrays for power generation, batteries for energy storage, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Its shape is described as a box 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.
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-L12-48
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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