STARLINK-1272 (45386)

COSPAR: 2020-019AC | Alt Name: Starlink 1272

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

45386

International Designator

2020-019AC

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:51:51 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

257.01°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

32.68°

Period

91.28 min

Mean Motion

15.78 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-1272

Alternative Name

Starlink 1272

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45386U 20019AC  26185.20267898  .00113504  00000-0  66275-3 0  9995

2 45386  53.0378 257.0121 0002596  32.6816 327.4364 15.77575950348780

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-1272 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-019AC) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on March 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs about 248 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes), and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply.

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-L5-16

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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