STARLINK-1280 (45388)

COSPAR: 2020-019AE | Alt Name: Starlink 1280

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

45388

International Designator

2020-019AE

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:06:11 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.03°

Right Ascension

263.62°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

2.63°

Period

90.62 min

Mean Motion

15.89 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1280

Alternative Name

Starlink 1280

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45388U 20019AE  26184.92096567  .00188428  00000-0  63234-3 0  9997

2 45388  53.0319 263.6241 0006073   2.6282 357.4774 15.89053480348657

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1280 satellite, also known as Starlink 1280, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on March 18, 2020, from Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it is designed for communication purposes. STARLINK-1280 uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite has a box plus panel shape, manufactured by SpaceX, and operates under the ownership of SpaceX as well.

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-L5-24

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 13 Nov 2024

Today's focus spans critical developments in military space initiatives, strategic policy shifts, and modest steps in semiconductor advancements. Key developments include Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's progress in satellite programs, and potential policy changes under Trump's leadership.

Space Brief 7 Nov 2024

Today's Space Brief covers major upcoming launches from SpaceX, US military missile tests, and developments in Virgin Galactic's fleet expansion. Stay informed on key satellite events and launch updates.

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

Seventeen years ago today, an operational American communications satellite and a dead Russian military relay crossed paths over Siberia. What happened next created more than 2,000 pieces of trackable debris - and fundamentally changed how the world thinks about space traffic.

X Report 14 Dec 2025

On December 14, 2025, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with its 550th booster landing following the launch of 27 new Starlink satellites, while exploring potential IPO strategies to fund future projects.

X Report 9 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.

The Day Japan Joined the Geostationary Club

Forty-eight years ago, a pioneering satellite named Kiku 2 propelled Japan into the exclusive group of nations capable of operating satellites in geostationary orbit

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.

X Report 9 Mar 2025

SpaceX reveals plans for Florida Starship launches, NASA teams up for dual missions, and FCC boosts satellite connectivity.