STARLINK-1246 (45235)

COSPAR: 2020-012BK | Alt Name: Starlink 1246

Image
STARLINK-1246 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45235

International Designator

2020-012BK

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:56:05 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

216.45°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

347.62°

Period

93.66 min

Mean Motion

15.37 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-1246

Alternative Name

Starlink 1246

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45235U 20012BK  26185.08061893  .00058502  00000-0  15675-2 0  9997
2 45235  53.1535 216.4479 0004721 347.6220  12.4667 15.37457958352824

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-1246 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on February 17, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), it utilizes Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays, batteries for power generation. The satellite is part of the Starlink constellation and was manufactured by SpaceX.

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-L4-58

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

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