STARLINK-1297 (45395)

COSPAR: 2020-019AM | Alt Name: Starlink 1297

Image
STARLINK-1297 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45395

International Designator

2020-019AM

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:28:43 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

278.89°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

11.97°

Period

91.36 min

Mean Motion

15.76 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1297

Alternative Name

Starlink 1297

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45395U 20019AM  26185.26994277  .00110554  00000-0  68701-3 0  9997
2 45395  53.0395 278.8916 0002598  11.9719 348.1362 15.76178433347664

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-1297, also known as Starlink 1297, is a communication satellite part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on March 18, 2020, from the LC39A launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and was equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and its span is 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor. The mission's purpose is to provide communication services.

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-L5-40

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.
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.

Falcon 9 Booster Hits Record 35th Flight | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Booster Hits Record 35th Flight | KeepTrack X Report

A Falcon 9 booster sets a reusability record on its 35th flight during the Starlink 10-35 mission, the constellation's 53rd dedicated launch.

Blue Origin Announces 5,400-Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink | KeepTrack X Report

Blue Origin Announces 5,400-Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink | KeepTrack X Report

Blue Origin reveals plans for 5,400+ satellite constellation targeting enterprise and government with 6 Tbps capacity. SpaceX launches first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg.

Space Brief 22 Jan 2025

Space Brief 22 Jan 2025

Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.

Graveyard Orbit

Graveyard Orbit

The final resting place for retired satellites, a disposal orbit where defunct spacecraft are sent to stay out of the way

Space Brief 15 Nov 2025

Space Brief 15 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.

SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX shares jump 20% on first trading day after historic IPO. China launches tallest rocket while LandSpace preps second landing attempt. Tracking data.

Space Brief 10 May 2025

Space Brief 10 May 2025

Today's brief covers Rocket Lab's Neutron being selected for military tests, Space Force's strategic updates, Germany's SAR satellite plans, and a significant NASA nomination.

Space Brief 27 Jan 2025

Space Brief 27 Jan 2025

Highlights include US military astronaut rescue drills, China's commercial involvement in lunar missions, ESA's budget proposals, global opposition to space advertising, and NASA lunar landers.