Space Brief 9 Jun 2025
Key space events for today include potential changes in US space policy involving SpaceX, uncertainties regarding NASA's Starliner, and China's new steps in asteroid exploration.
STARLINK-1227 (45230)
COSPAR: 2020-012BE | Alt Name: Starlink 1227
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45230
International Designator
2020-012BE
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:50:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
169.08°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
15.01°
Period
93.07 min
Mean Motion
15.47 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1227
Alternative Name
Starlink 1227
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45230U 20012BE 26185.24348273 .00109424 00000-0 20983-2 0 9998
2 45230 53.1511 169.0752 0004980 15.0098 345.1057 15.47167651353498
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1227 satellite, also known as Starlink 1227, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 17, 2020, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply, and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The purpose of STARLINK-1227 is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink constellation, featuring a box-shaped structure with panels.
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-L4-53
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
X Report 8 Feb 2025
SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.
Falcon 9 Grounded After Upper Stage Anomaly, Crew-12 at Risk | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX pauses all Falcon 9 launches after upper stage anomaly during Starlink mission. Crew-12 astronaut launch may be affected. Booster 19 rolls out for cryogenic testing.
The Day Humanity First Used a Planet to Navigate the Solar System
Fifty-one years ago, Mariner 10 revolutionized space exploration by executing the first-ever planetary gravity assist at Venus, pioneering a technique that would transform how we explore the solar system
X Report 7 Dec 2024
SpaceX celebrates 300 successful booster landings, further solidifying its dominance in reusable rocket technology.
C-Band
The workhorse frequency band that quietly powers satellite communications, weather radar, and Wi-Fi around the world
X Report 25 Aug 2025
SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.