Space Brief 22 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers space-based missile defense, AI maritime surveillance, and new governmental shifts impacting the defense sector.
STARLINK-1171 (45062)
COSPAR: 2020-006U | Alt Name: Starlink 1171
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 29, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45062
International Designator
2020-006U
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:44:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
34.92°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.18°
Period
91.23 min
Mean Motion
15.78 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-1171
Alternative Name
Starlink 1171
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45062U 20006U 26184.78073407 .00102705 00000-0 57743-3 0 9996
2 45062 53.0381 34.9153 0000917 83.1788 276.9337 15.78466973355237
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1171 satellite, also known as Starlink 1171, is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on January 29, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries to generate power.
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-L3-19
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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