Space Brief 17 Dec 2023
Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.
STARLINK-1262 (45366)
COSPAR: 2020-019G | Alt Name: Starlink 1262
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45366
International Designator
2020-019G
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:13:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
342.84°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
208.80°
Period
93.72 min
Mean Motion
15.36 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-1262
Alternative Name
Starlink 1262
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45366U 20019G 26185.13418793 .00066134 00000-0 18264-2 0 9997
2 45366 53.1536 342.8360 0002129 208.8014 151.2873 15.36471742347609
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1262, also known as Starlink 1262, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Air Force Eastern Test Range using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this spacecraft has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite's design includes krypton ion thrusters as its motor system, and it has a box plus pan shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters.
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-L5-09
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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