Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
STARLINK-1266 (45383)
COSPAR: 2020-019Z | Alt Name: Starlink 1266
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45383
International Designator
2020-019Z
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:57:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
289.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
343.33°
Period
91.82 min
Mean Motion
15.68 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-1266
Alternative Name
Starlink 1266
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45383U 20019Z 26184.99834343 .00065207 00000-0 56947-3 0 9993
2 45383 53.0431 289.2247 0003168 343.3340 16.7572 15.68358580348319
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-1266 (also known as Starlink 1266) is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX. Launched on March 18, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC39A launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters due to its deployment configuration. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite links (in prototype form), krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design, and it operates in the communication domain.
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-L5-13
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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