STARLINK-1270 (45237)

COSPAR: 2020-012BM | Alt Name: Starlink 1270

Image
STARLINK-1270 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 2020

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45237

International Designator

2020-012BM

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:02:18 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

151.96°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

121.07°

Period

91.67 min

Mean Motion

15.71 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-1270

Alternative Name

Starlink 1270

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45237U 20012BM  26183.20993738  .00066936  00000-0  52543-3 0  9999
2 45237  53.0382 151.9638 0001722 121.0741 239.0445 15.70932748353515

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1270 satellite, also known as Starlink 1270, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on February 17, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. Manufactured by SPXS, this communication satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on select prototypes. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters and it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The spacecraft's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.

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-L4-60

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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