STARLINK-1279 (45360)

COSPAR: 2020-019A | Alt Name: Starlink 1279

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 18, 2020

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45360

International Designator

2020-019A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:33:10 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.03°

Right Ascension

242.98°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

10.82°

Period

90.88 min

Mean Motion

15.85 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-1279

Alternative Name

Starlink 1279

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45360U 20019A   26185.14803811  .00165170  00000-0  69485-3 0  9993

2 45360  53.0316 242.9808 0004083  10.8177 349.2932 15.84512865348967

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1279, also known as Starlink 1279, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and owned by SpaceX. It was launched on March 18, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kg with a total launch mass of 260 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (for some prototypes), krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, and solar arrays along with batteries to provide power. The satellite has a box plus pan shape but lacks specific details regarding its attitude control system or reflectivity value.

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-L5-23

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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Longitude

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