STARLINK-1229 (45231)

COSPAR: 2020-012BF | Alt Name: Starlink 1229

DECAYED

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

45231

International Designator

2020-012BF

Decay Date

10/23/2022

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1229

Alternative Name

Starlink 1229

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

STARLINK-1229 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation, with NORAD ID 45231 and OBJECT_ID 2020-012BF. Launched on February 17, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its extended components. It has a launch mass of 260 kilograms and a dry mass of 248 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), and uses Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink V1.0-L4-54 payload.

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-L4-54

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 28 May 2025

Today's briefing covers SpaceX's ambitious launch and temporary setback with their Super Heavy booster, adjustments in South African telecommunications laws influenced by Starlink, and the U.S. Navy's strategic shifts amidst changes in unmanned combatant acquisitions.

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX acquires xAI to develop orbital data centers. Starlink terminals bypass Iran's government internet blackouts. Blue Origin escalates defense procurement criticism.

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

Seventeen years ago today, an operational American communications satellite and a dead Russian military relay crossed paths over Siberia. What happened next created more than 2,000 pieces of trackable debris - and fundamentally changed how the world thinks about space traffic.

X Report 20 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, enhancing its constellation while continuing its leadership in satellite deployment for global internet coverage.

X Report 29 Apr 2025

SpaceX achieves a significant milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, and Starlink eyes expansion into South Korea amid rising global demand for satellite internet. Meanwhile, Amazon's Project Kuiper launches its first operational mission, marking increased competition for Starlink.

Space Brief 29 Jun 2025

Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.