STARLINK-1601 (46120)

COSPAR: 2020-057D | Alt Name: Starlink 1601

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 18, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46120

International Designator

2020-057D

Decay Date

3/4/2026

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1601

Alternative Name

Starlink 1601

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

STARLINK-1601, also known as Starlink 1601, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on August 18, 2020, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range using Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters, featuring a box + pan shape. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, STARLINK-1601 uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's purpose is communication within the Starlink constellation, specifically carrying the Starlink V1.0-L10-17 payload.

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-L10-17

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 17 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers the first astronaut with a disability preparing for the ISS mission, SpaceX’s recent Starlink launch, funding breakthroughs for satellite tech company K2 Space, and updates on the Artemis program's challenges.

Space Brief 7 Oct 2025

Explore the latest in satellite communications with Cubic's new terminals, strategic acquisitions by Firefly, China's IoT satellite achievements, and key military updates.

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.

Space Brief 11 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers SpaceX's NROL-153 launch, US Space Force activities in Greenland, Starlink's record-breaking flight, and a OneWeb satellite glitch. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight shines on Duchifat-1.

X Report 23 Dec 2024

SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone in its satellite internet constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully recovered at sea.

Space Brief 28 Jun 2025

Today's brief covers a Pentagon review of satellite launch options, Kongsberg's completed maritime satellite network, York's new satellite launch, DARPA's project cancellation, and more.

SpaceX to Launch GPS Satellite After Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX set to launch GPS 3-9 for Space Force after strategic switch from ULA's Vulcan to Falcon 9. 25 Starlink satellites deployed to polar orbit. Musk explains SpaceX exponential growth trajectory.

NRO Adds 3 New Partners to Commercial Imaging Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO expands commercial imaging with HEO, SatVu, and Sierra Nevada. ChatGPT rolls out to 3 million military users via GenAI.mil. C-130J deliveries paused.