STARLINK-1231 (45212)

COSPAR: 2020-012AL | Alt Name: Starlink 1231

Image
STARLINK-1231 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45212

International Designator

2020-012AL

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:55:47 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

196.48°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

83.60°

Period

94.15 min

Mean Motion

15.30 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-1231

Alternative Name

Starlink 1231

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45212U 20012AL  26185.28874946  .00055949  00000-0  19254-2 0  9994
2 45212  53.0352 196.4763 0002156  83.5997 276.5247 15.29541809353025

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1231 satellite, also known as Starlink 1231, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on February 17, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has a box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, while the launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it also features Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply.

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-L4-35

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

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