Space Brief 7 Mar 2025
Key insights from the latest SpaceX Starship breakup, the establishment of a new satellite mobile service, and enhancing America's missile shield capabilities through satellites.
STARLINK-1202 (45183)
COSPAR: 2020-012F | Alt Name: Starlink 1202
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45183
International Designator
2020-012F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:18:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
216.58°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
352.95°
Period
93.69 min
Mean Motion
15.37 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1202
Alternative Name
Starlink 1202
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45183U 20012F 26185.09604548 .00065122 00000-0 17702-2 0 9999
2 45183 53.1527 216.5800 0004360 352.9476 7.1465 15.36965780352808
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1202 satellite, also known as Starlink 1202 and designated as 2020-012F under NORAD identification system, is a communication spacecraft manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on February 17, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite is part of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, suggesting it likely includes solar panels or other extended structures. The dry mass of the spacecraft is recorded at 248 kilograms, with an overall launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and experimental optical inter-satellite links, the satellite employs krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and is powered by solar arrays complemented by batteries. The shape described as "Box + pan" may indicate a box-shaped body augmented by flat panel arrays or other structures such as solar panels or antennas.
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-L4-06
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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