Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
STARLINK-1802 (46702)
COSPAR: 2020-073AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 1802
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46702
International Designator
2020-073AJ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:24:42 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
32.53°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
125.53°
Period
93.46 min
Mean Motion
15.41 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-1802
Alternative Name
Starlink 1802
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46702U 20073AJ 26185.05883080 .00057905 00000-0 13947-2 0 9997
2 46702 53.1564 32.5350 0002112 125.5294 234.5908 15.40730069315350
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-1802 satellite, also known as Starlink 1802 and identified by NORAD CAT ID 46702 and OBJECT ID 2020-073AJ, was launched on October 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This satellite is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation for communication purposes. It measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The dry mass of the satellite is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links (present on prototype models), Starlink-1802 uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It employs krypton ion thrusters as motors and has a box plus pan shape 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-L13-32
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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