Starlink Mobile US Plan, Ship 40 Static Fire, X Report 27 Jun 2026
Starlink mobile service is planned for the US as SpaceX fires Ship 40's single Raptor in a prelaunch test, with 10,689 Starlink satellites working.
STARLINK-1946 (46776)
COSPAR: 2020-074AP | Alt Name: Starlink 1946
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 24, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46776
International Designator
2020-074AP
Decay Date
2/5/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1946
Alternative Name
Starlink 1946
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1946 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-074AP) is a Starlink communication satellite launched by SpaceX on October 24, 2020, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a mass of 260 kilograms. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototype). Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. It uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor for propulsion and has a box shape with an additional 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.
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-L14-56
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.
Starship V3 Launch Looms as Residents Sue Over Home Damage | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX faces a new lawsuit from Texas residents alleging Starship launches caused property damage, just as V3 flight preparations ramp up.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
How our ability to track and predict objects in orbit has become the foundation of space safety in an increasingly crowded cosmic neighborhood
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
Space Brief 27 Aug 2024
Today's highlights include the destruction of ABL Space Systems' rocket due to engine leaks, Firefly Aerospace's lunar lander pre-launch tests, and insights on U.S. military's space domain awareness enhancements.
X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.
Space Brief 11 Dec 2024
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
Vulcan Grounding Could Last Months, Space Force Weighs Alternatives | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan Centaur faces potential months-long stand-down. Space Force actively exploring payload reassignment and satellite operational life extensions to cover critical national security missions.