STARLINK-1797 (46698)

COSPAR: 2020-073AE | Alt Name: Starlink 1797

Image
STARLINK-1797 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46698

International Designator

2020-073AE

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:29:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

357.88°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

144.21°

Period

91.52 min

Mean Motion

15.73 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-1797

Alternative Name

Starlink 1797

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46698U 20073AE  26185.18686059  .00154515  00000-0  10759-2 0  9995
2 46698  53.0399 357.8844 0002425 144.2093 215.9088 15.73396781315821

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1797 (also known as Starlink 1797) is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on October 18, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR 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 technology (all satellites), as well as optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. The satellite's propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters and it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The shape of the spacecraft can be described as a box with an additional pan component, serving its primary purpose for communication tasks.

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-L13-28

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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