STARLINK-1901 (46762)

COSPAR: 2020-074Z | Alt Name: Starlink 1901
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-1901 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 24, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

46762

International Designator

2020-074Z

Decay Date

11/14/2021

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1901

Alternative Name

Starlink 1901

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-1901 satellite, also known as Starlink 1901, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on October 24, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when deployed. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it is designed for communication purposes and uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters, and its shape consists of a box with an attached pan. The satellite is owned by SpaceX and operates under the Starlink V1.0-L14-20 payload 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-L14-20

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.

Space Brief 6 Sep 2025

Space Brief 6 Sep 2025

Today's brief covers China's latest experimental launch to GEO and new commercial satellites, insights from hyperspectral imagery on underground structures, and the Space Force's material testing for Mars missions.

SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

On May 4, 1989, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from LC-39B carrying Magellan, NASA's first interplanetary mission since 1978. The eleven-year drought ended in a payload bay, and the radar that emerged would map ninety-eight percent of Venus through clouds that no camera could ever see through.

Space Brief 1 Jun 2025

Space Brief 1 Jun 2025

Today's highlights cover critical satellite launches including SpaceX's GPS III mission, advancements in SATCOM technology, and changes in NASA leadership.

NLRB Drops SpaceX Oversight Case, Booster 19 Tests Complete | KeepTrack X Report

NLRB Drops SpaceX Oversight Case, Booster 19 Tests Complete | KeepTrack X Report

US labor board drops oversight case against SpaceX. Booster 19 completes cryogenic testing at upgraded Massey's. SpaceX IPO expected to reshape space investment landscape.

Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit

Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit

We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.

X Report 29 Mar 2025

X Report 29 Mar 2025

Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.

Space Brief 23 Sep 2025

Space Brief 23 Sep 2025

Explore the latest in satellite launches and space reconnaissance as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and military entities push forward with innovative missions. A new propulsion clean room marks growth in satellite tech.