Space Brief 8 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.
STARLINK-1820 (46717)
COSPAR: 2020-073AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 1820
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46717
International Designator
2020-073AZ
Epoch
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:53:30 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.03°
Right Ascension
26.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
169.50°
Period
87.69 min
Mean Motion
16.42 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-1820
Alternative Name
Starlink 1820
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46717U 20073AZ 26095.03715925 .09879917 12304-4 53658-3 0 9995
2 46717 53.0270 26.1596 0007125 169.5042 190.6155 16.42141733302469
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1820 satellite, also known as Starlink 1820, is owned by SPXS and operates for communication purposes. Launched on October 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The satellite's dimensions include a length of 0.2 meters, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. Its shape is described as box plus pan, and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. It also employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system.
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-L13-48
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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