STARLINK-1716 (46672)

COSPAR: 2020-073C | Alt Name: Starlink 1716

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 18, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46672

International Designator

2020-073C

Epoch

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 01:09:28 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

1.17°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

287.23°

Period

87.56 min

Mean Motion

16.45 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-1716

Alternative Name

Starlink 1716

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46672U 20073C   26180.04824317  .10972724  12546-4  29965-3 0  9991

2 46672  53.0235   1.1662 0010895 287.2317  72.7538 16.44664881315328

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1716 satellite, also known as Starlink 1716, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on October 18, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with optical inter-satellite links (prototypes) and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. With a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and serves a communication mission. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped 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-L13-02

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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