STARLINK-1255 (45399)

COSPAR: 2020-019AR | Alt Name: Starlink 1255

Image
STARLINK-1255 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45399

International Designator

2020-019AR

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:57:47 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.03°

Right Ascension

256.21°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

268.56°

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-1255

Alternative Name

Starlink 1255

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45399U 20019AR  26184.74846211  .00052235  00000-0  46000-3 0  9996
2 45399  53.0317 256.2074 0000768 268.5563  91.5364 15.68249853348568

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-1255 satellite, also known as Starlink 1255, is owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX) for communication purposes. Launched on March 18, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It weighs 248 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology (all) and optical inter-satellite links for a few prototypes. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters, and it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The shape of the satellite is described as box + pan.

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-L5-03

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

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