Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
STARLINK-1301 (45361)
COSPAR: 2020-019B | Alt Name: Starlink 1301
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45361
International Designator
2020-019B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:15:30 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.03°
Right Ascension
246.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
9.39°
Period
90.79 min
Mean Motion
15.86 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1301
Alternative Name
Starlink 1301
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45361U 20019B 26184.88576982 .00154423 00000-0 60205-3 0 9990
2 45361 53.0306 246.3381 0005824 9.3926 350.7205 15.86113064348904
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1301, also known as Starlink 1301, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on March 18, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center LC39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a bus configuration and measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, with propulsion coming from Krypton ion thrusters. Its mission is to facilitate global internet connectivity as part of the Starlink network.
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-L5-44
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
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