STARLINK-1281 (45370)

COSPAR: 2020-019L | Alt Name: Starlink 1281

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

45370

International Designator

2020-019L

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:09:22 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

342.33°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

176.91°

Period

93.67 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-1281

Alternative Name

Starlink 1281

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45370U 20019L   26185.13151000  .00085201  00000-0  22845-2 0  9993

2 45370  53.1564 342.3311 0002001 176.9066 183.1951 15.37269492347617

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1281 satellite, also known as Starlink 1281, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on March 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 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. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The design is described as "Box + pan" shaped, and it serves communication purposes as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

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-L5-25

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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