Space Brief 20 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
STARLINK-1807 (46706)
COSPAR: 2020-073AN | Alt Name: Starlink 1807
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46706
International Designator
2020-073AN
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:53:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.06°
Right Ascension
48.73°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
129.88°
Period
93.93 min
Mean Motion
15.33 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-1807
Alternative Name
Starlink 1807
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46706U 20073AN 26184.91240638 .00060330 00000-0 18630-2 0 9991
2 46706 53.0558 48.7304 0003290 129.8770 230.2520 15.32992085315091
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1807 satellite, also known as Starlink 1807, is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on October 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and includes optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation.
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-L13-36
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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