Space Brief 9 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin’s new defense launch contracts, the ISS launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut, Sierra Space’s GPS security advancements for the U.S. Space Force, and the Space Force's 'Orbital Watch' initiative.
STARLINK-1846 (47136)
COSPAR: 2020-088Q | Alt Name: Starlink 1846
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 25, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47136
International Designator
2020-088Q
Decay Date
2/22/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1846
Alternative Name
Starlink 1846
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1846 satellite, also known as Starlink 1846, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on November 25, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and was manufactured by the same entity.
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-L15-15
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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