STARLINK-1781 (46685)

COSPAR: 2020-073R | Alt Name: Starlink 1781

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

46685

International Designator

2020-073R

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:13:31 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

30.24°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

294.13°

Period

91.19 min

Mean Motion

15.79 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-1781

Alternative Name

Starlink 1781

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46685U 20073R   26185.09272218  .00172829  00000-0  93457-3 0  9994

2 46685  53.0398  30.2388 0001068 294.1296  65.9613 15.79089987315351

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1781 satellite, also known as Starlink 1781, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on October 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, the satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, solar arrays for power, and krypton ion thrusters as propulsion. The mission of STARLINK-1781 is focused on communication purposes.

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-L13-15

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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Longitude

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