Space Brief 27 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include the certification of ULA's Vulcan rocket for national security missions, developments in nuclear timekeeping for GPS systems, and updates on the Space Force's new warfighting framework.
STARLINK-1230 (45189)
COSPAR: 2020-012M | Alt Name: Starlink 1230
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45189
International Designator
2020-012M
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:42:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
218.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
353.44°
Period
93.68 min
Mean Motion
15.37 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-1230
Alternative Name
Starlink 1230
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45189U 20012M 26184.82125300 .00056267 00000-0 15224-2 0 9996
2 45189 53.1535 218.2235 0004560 353.4420 6.6523 15.37174186349977
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1230, also known as Starlink 1230, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on February 17, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this Starlink satellite has a length of 0.2 meters, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. Power comes from solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion uses Krypton ion thrusters. Its shape can be described as box-shaped with an additional pan element.
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-L4-12
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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