Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
STARLINK-1166 (45060)
COSPAR: 2020-006S | Alt Name: Starlink 1166
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 29, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45060
International Designator
2020-006S
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
69.01°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
103.47°
Period
91.83 min
Mean Motion
15.68 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1166
Alternative Name
Starlink 1166
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45060U 20006S 26185.33336806 -.00087194 00000-0 -77023-3 0 9990
2 45060 53.0421 69.0064 0000926 103.4740 328.7336 15.68157210 5961
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1166 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-006S) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and owned by the same company. Launched on January 29, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans about 9 meters. It weighs around 260 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms. The spacecraft is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries to store energy. Its design includes a box shape with additional panels.
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-L3-17
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 1 Nov 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its 100th Starlink mission launch and makes impressive progress on lunar lander development for Artemis III.
SpaceX to Launch GPS Satellite After Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX set to launch GPS 3-9 for Space Force after strategic switch from ULA's Vulcan to Falcon 9. 25 Starlink satellites deployed to polar orbit. Musk explains SpaceX exponential growth trajectory.
NASA Awards Private Mars Orbiter Contract for 2028 | KeepTrack X Report
A California firm wins NASA's Aeolus Mars orbiter contract, targeting 2028 launch for the first daily global Martian environment measurements.
Space Brief 2 Jul 2025
Explore today's major events in space, including military advancements in satellite tracking, new missile defenses, and significant defense funding decisions.
Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.
X Report 19 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights a catastrophic failure during Starship preparations, significant advancements in Starlink services in Ukraine and India, and the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites.
Space Force Buys Second Otter Spacecraft for On-Orbit Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force procures second Otter spacecraft for satellite repositioning. Momentus and NASA sign Space Act Agreement for orbital servicing tests. Pentagon delays contractor review.