STARLINK-1159 (45057)

COSPAR: 2020-006P | Alt Name: Starlink 1159

Image
STARLINK-1159 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45057

International Designator

2020-006P

Epoch

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:35:41 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

293.15°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

297.02°

Period

87.42 min

Mean Motion

16.47 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-1159

Alternative Name

Starlink 1159

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45057U 20006P   26127.35811795  .12976269  12630-4  22327-3 0  9993
2 45057  53.0212 293.1503 0008340 297.0210  62.9988 16.47310035346561

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1159 satellite, also known as Starlink 1159, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 29, 2020, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range at Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has a bus configuration designated as "Starlink" and operates in the Ku/Ka-band with optical inter-satellite links for connectivity. It features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries to provide power. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and has a span of 9 meters. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms, including equipment for its mission, and a dry mass of 248 kilograms.

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-L3-14

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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