Space Brief 15 Jun 2025
Today’s highlights focus on the launch preparations for the Dragoon Mission, China’s seismo-electromagnetic satellite launch, NASA budget cut impacts, and a major expansion by American Pacific Corporation.
STARLINK-1274 (45387)
COSPAR: 2020-019AD | Alt Name: Starlink 1274
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45387
International Designator
2020-019AD
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:31:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
257.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
294.72°
Period
91.89 min
Mean Motion
15.67 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-1274
Alternative Name
Starlink 1274
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45387U 20019AD 26185.18826317 .00169838 00000-0 15335-2 0 9991
2 45387 53.0175 257.9638 0005589 294.7243 65.3190 15.67081835348764
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1274 satellite, also known as Starlink 1274 and part of the Starlink constellation, was launched on March 18, 2020, from Launch Pad LC39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), and uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and its primary mission is communication. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. It operates in space under the ownership of SPXS for communication purposes.
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-L5-18
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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