FALCON 9 DEB (46731)

COSPAR: 2020-073BP | Alt Name: Starlink deployment rail
DECAYED

Image
FALCON 9 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46731

International Designator

2020-073BP

Decay Date

11/16/2020

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FALCON 9 DEB

Alternative Name

Starlink deployment rail

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

7

Diameter

0.02

Span

7

Dry Mass

100

Launch Mass

100

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Unknown

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

SPXS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Unknown

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 5 Sep 2025

X Report 5 Sep 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its Starship preparations, approaches a landmark Falcon booster landing, and enhances the ISS orbit with Dragon technology.

X Report 22 Jun 2025

X Report 22 Jun 2025

Key updates include the impending Falcon 9 launch for Transporter-14, insights on Starship's explosion, and a last-minute abort of the Starlink 10-23 mission.

X Report 23 Jan 2025

X Report 23 Jan 2025

SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.

The Day Apollo 14 Restored NASA's Lunar Dreams

The Day Apollo 14 Restored NASA's Lunar Dreams

Fifty-four years ago, a Saturn V rocket lifted off carrying three astronauts determined to prove America could still reach the Moon after the near-disaster of Apollo 13

SpaceX Launches 13th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Launches 13th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Falcon 9 successfully deployed NROL-72 for National Reconnaissance Office's 13th proliferated architecture mission. Low-Earth orbit intelligence constellation expanding since 2021.

X Report 13 Nov 2025

X Report 13 Nov 2025

Today's report covers SpaceX's progress on Starship pad realignment and Rocket Lab's delay of its Neutron rocket debut, highlighting key advancements and competitive dynamics in the space industry.

Falcon 9 Lofts 46 Payloads Including CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Lofts 46 Payloads Including CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's third rideshare mission of 2026 delivered South Korea's CAS500-2 imager and 45 secondary payloads to Sun-synchronous orbit on Falcon 9.

Space Brief 30 Jun 2025

Space Brief 30 Jun 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking launches, Japan's final H-2A launch, and significant developments in satellite data policies impacting weather forecasting.