STARLINK-1738 (46336)

COSPAR: 2020-062M | Alt Name: Starlink 1738

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 3, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46336

International Designator

2020-062M

Epoch

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:17:57 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

263.86°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

264.32°

Period

88.51 min

Mean Motion

16.27 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-1738

Alternative Name

Starlink 1738

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46336U 20062M   26071.76246924  .06150796  11995-4  17343-2 0  9991

2 46336  53.0176 263.8580 0007042 264.3201  95.7036 16.26913484306158

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1738 satellite, also known as Starlink 1738, is a communication spacecraft operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on September 3, 2020, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it belongs to the Starlink constellation. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. It was equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit.

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-L11-40

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

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