X Report 24 May 2025
SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.
STARLINK-1944 (46796)
COSPAR: 2020-074BK | Alt Name: Starlink 1944
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 24, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46796
International Designator
2020-074BK
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:12:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
46.07°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
266.08°
Period
88.82 min
Mean Motion
16.21 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1944
Alternative Name
Starlink 1944
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46796U 20074BK 26185.05058988 .02051965 11841-4 91756-3 0 9998
2 46796 53.0241 46.0686 0013644 266.0781 93.8698 16.21258539315797
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1944 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-074BK) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on October 24, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, this satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (some prototypes), it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and utilizes Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's design consists of a box shape with panels, and it was manufactured by SpaceX for communication purposes.
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-L14-54
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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