STARLINK-1226 (45229)

COSPAR: 2020-012BD | Alt Name: Starlink 1226

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

45229

International Designator

2020-012BD

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:38:46 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

169.03°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

21.58°

Period

93.08 min

Mean Motion

15.47 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-1226

Alternative Name

Starlink 1226

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45229U 20012BD  26185.23526478  .00086237  00000-0  16679-2 0  9993

2 45229  53.1530 169.0297 0005422  21.5795 338.5440 15.47035069353375

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite STARLINK-1226, also known as Starlink 1226 and identified by NORAD CAT ID 45229, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 17, 2020, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this Starlink satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The dry mass is 248 kilograms while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (deployed across all), optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries. For maneuvering, it uses Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."

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-L4-52

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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Latitude

Longitude

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