X Report 2 Jan 2025
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STARLINK-1221 (45227)
COSPAR: 2020-012BB | Alt Name: Starlink 1221
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45227
International Designator
2020-012BB
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:39:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.06°
Right Ascension
76.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
46.41°
Period
93.13 min
Mean Motion
15.46 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-1221
Alternative Name
Starlink 1221
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45227U 20012BB 26185.11100413 .00027716 00000-0 56075-3 0 9997
2 45227 53.0633 76.2939 0002741 46.4109 313.7124 15.46259064354696
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1221 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 17, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It features a box plus pan shape and is equipped with solar arrays for power generation along with batteries, weighing 260 kilograms at launch and 248 kilograms dry mass. Its payload includes Ku/Ka-band communications equipment (applied to all satellites) and optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes). The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and is intended for communication purposes.
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-L4-50
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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