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STARLINK-1168 (45072)
COSPAR: 2020-006AE | Alt Name: Starlink 1168
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 29, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45072
International Designator
2020-006AE
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:19:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
75.11°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.09°
Period
93.64 min
Mean Motion
15.38 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1168
Alternative Name
Starlink 1168
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45072U 20006AE 26185.09715736 .00114751 00000-0 30080-2 0 9998
2 45072 53.1568 75.1095 0004258 88.0923 272.0569 15.37806793354725
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1168, also known as Starlink 1168, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 29, 2020, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters due to its deployable components. It carries a dry mass of 248 kilograms and had an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite is part of the Starlink V1.0-L3-29 payload configuration and includes a Ku/Ka-band communication payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. It utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and has a box plus panel shape design.
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-L3-29
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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