STARLINK-1801 (46701)

COSPAR: 2020-073AH | Alt Name: Starlink 1801

Image
STARLINK-1801 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46701

International Designator

2020-073AH

Epoch

Sun, 31 May 2026 13:07:58 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

137.13°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

281.31°

Period

87.59 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-1801

Alternative Name

Starlink 1801

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 46701U 20073AH  26151.54720454  .10742885  12491-4  39665-3 0  9994
2 46701  53.0177 137.1315 0004338 281.3089  78.7472 16.44090342310915

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1801 satellite, also known as Starlink 1801, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. Launched on October 18, 2020, from the Kennedy Space Center's LC39A launch pad aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, this satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. The equipment onboard includes Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. The satellite's shape is described as box with pan configuration.

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-L13-31

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

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