STARLINK-1590 (46138)

COSPAR: 2020-057X | Alt Name: Starlink 1590
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-1590 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46138

International Designator

2020-057X

Decay Date

4/4/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1590

Alternative Name

Starlink 1590

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STARLINK-1590, also known as Starlink 1590, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on August 18, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans approximately 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), solar arrays for power generation, and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system, STARLINK-1590 is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation designed to provide global internet coverage. The satellite has a box-like shape with an additional pan structure but lacks specific information regarding its RCS, ADCS, color, or significant events during its mission.

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-L10-07

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.

Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief

Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief

Air Force awards CCA contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for autonomous fighter wingmen. Autonomy layer split across Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.

Katalyst Link Clears Tests for $500M SPARCS Rescue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Katalyst Link Clears Tests for $500M SPARCS Rescue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Katalyst's Link spacecraft passes key testing milestone ahead of June 2026 launch to rescue NASA's $500M SPARCS telescope. In-space servicing mission will create trackable conjunction risk during approach and docking phase.

Space Brief 9 Jan 2025

Space Brief 9 Jan 2025

Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.

Nuclear Renaissance Surges in Space, Pentagon Invests $1B in L3Harris Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Nuclear Renaissance Surges in Space, Pentagon Invests $1B in L3Harris Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Demand surges for nuclear power in space including lunar surface reactors. Pentagon commits $1B as anchor investor in L3Harris missile unit. Orbion delivers 33 electric thrusters for military sats.

Space Brief 1 Feb 2025

Space Brief 1 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers advances in satellite docking technology, challenges faced by space companies with government navigation, and China's leap in space autonomy through AI developments.

New Glenn Damaged in Hotfire Anomaly at LC-36 | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Damaged in Hotfire Anomaly at LC-36 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn suffered a damaging anomaly during hotfire testing at Launch Complex 36, grounding the heavy-lift rocket indefinitely with no return-to-flight timeline announced.

Space Brief 11 Jan 2025

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.

Cygnus NG-24 Carries 11,000 lbs to ISS | KeepTrack X Report

Cygnus NG-24 Carries 11,000 lbs to ISS | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon 9 lofts 11,000 lbs aboard Cygnus NG-24 to the ISS as Amazon pushes Leo's commercial debut to mid-2026.