Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
STARLINK-1043 (44748)
COSPAR: 2019-074AM | Alt Name: Starlink 1043
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 11, 2019
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44748
International Designator
2019-074AM
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:17:34 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
348.56°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
9.36°
Period
91.94 min
Mean Motion
15.66 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1043
Alternative Name
Starlink 1043
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 44748U 19074AM 26185.09553827 .00063973 00000-0 60775-3 0 9995
2 44748 53.0487 348.5570 0000543 9.3572 350.7453 15.66292028366807
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1043 satellite, also known as Starlink 1043, is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and operates under a communication mission. It was launched on November 11, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded as 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). The satellite utilizes Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a shape described as "Box + pan."
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-L1-36
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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