Space Brief 23 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.
STARLINK-1225 (45187)
COSPAR: 2020-012K | Alt Name: Starlink 1225
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45187
International Designator
2020-012K
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:03:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
217.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
357.36°
Period
93.67 min
Mean Motion
15.37 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-1225
Alternative Name
Starlink 1225
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45187U 20012K 26185.00246206 .00066551 00000-0 17856-2 0 9994
2 45187 53.1542 217.2728 0004598 357.3645 2.7334 15.37359065352772
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1225 satellite, also known as Starlink 1225, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on February 17, 2020, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) at Launch Pad LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, it serves communication purposes through solar arrays and batteries for power and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and is owned by the same entity.
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-L4-10
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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