STARLINK-1212 (45223)

COSPAR: 2020-012AX | Alt Name: Starlink 1212

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45223

International Designator

2020-012AX

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:04:48 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

139.98°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

127.15°

Period

91.59 min

Mean Motion

15.72 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-1212

Alternative Name

Starlink 1212

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45223U 20012AX  26185.25333442  .00091057  00000-0  67445-3 0  9990

2 45223  53.0377 139.9786 0001500 127.1464 232.9690 15.72188337353868

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1212, also known as Starlink 1212, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on February 17, 2020, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and 248 kilograms dry mass. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The spacecraft has a box plus pan shape and is owned by SpaceX (SPXS), serving the purpose of providing communication services.

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

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-L4-46

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

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Longitude

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