STARLINK-1602 (46121)

COSPAR: 2020-057E | Alt Name: Starlink 1602
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-1602 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46121

International Designator

2020-057E

Decay Date

1/7/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1602

Alternative Name

Starlink 1602

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STARLINK-1602, also known as Starlink 1602, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation launched by SpaceX on August 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a 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 dry mass of 248 kilograms. It was designed for communication purposes, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.

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-L10-18

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.

New Glenn Destroyed After USSF Awards Blue Origin Task Order | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Destroyed After USSF Awards Blue Origin Task Order | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded hours after USSF and NRO awarded national security launch contract. Impact on NSSL competition unclear.

Space Force Awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO satellite servicing vehicle. Artemis II heads to launch pad for first crewed Moon flyby in 54 years. Crew-12 confirmed.

Artemis 2 Crew Reaches Moon, NASA Cuts Budget 25% | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Crew Reaches Moon, NASA Cuts Budget 25% | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2's four astronauts entered lunar sphere of influence April 6, first crewed arrival since Apollo 17. NASA simultaneously proposed 25% budget cut for FY2027.

The Pentagon's Mystery Spaceplane Takes Off

The Pentagon's Mystery Spaceplane Takes Off

On April 22, 2010, an Atlas V lifted off from Cape Canaveral carrying a reusable robotic spaceplane so secret that the Air Force would not even confirm its mission duration. It came back 224 days later, lighter, quieter, and more operational than anyone outside Washington had expected. Fifteen years later, the X-37B is still flying, and the military still will not say what it does.

Space Brief 11 Nov 2025

Space Brief 11 Nov 2025

Record-breaking Chinese launches, SDA funding issues, and a new Starlink milestone highlight today's space news.

ESA Proba-3 Spacecraft Goes Silent, Formation Mission Halted | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA Proba-3 Spacecraft Goes Silent, Formation Mission Halted | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month following on-orbit anomaly. Mission requires both satellites in precise formation for solar corona science. Recovery status uncertain.

Falcon 9 Lofts 5-Ton Cygnus XL to ISS | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Lofts 5-Ton Cygnus XL to ISS | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon 9 delivered Northrop Grumman's second Cygnus XL — carrying over 5 tons of cargo — to the ISS on April 11, 2026.

Crew-11 Astronauts Arrive in Houston After Historic ISS Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 Astronauts Arrive in Houston After Historic ISS Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston following first-ever ISS medical evacuation. Starlink continues robust satellite deployment schedule with ongoing constellation expansion.