STARLINK-1790 (46691)

COSPAR: 2020-073X | Alt Name: Starlink 1790

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 18, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46691

International Designator

2020-073X

Epoch

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:52:27 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

224.02°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

301.83°

Period

87.60 min

Mean Motion

16.44 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-1790

Alternative Name

Starlink 1790

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 46691U 20073X   26134.41143491  .10879698  12534-4  39194-3 0  9997

2 46691  53.0199 224.0161 0007366 301.8288  58.2042 16.43828140308181

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1790 is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and is part of the Starlink constellation. It was launched on October 18, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (few prototypes), Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power, STARLINK-1790 serves communication purposes in low Earth 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-L13-21

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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