STARLINK-1260 (45404)

COSPAR: 2020-019AW | Alt Name: Starlink 1260

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

45404

International Designator

2020-019AW

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:20:59 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

304.81°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

209.43°

Period

93.48 min

Mean Motion

15.40 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-1260

Alternative Name

Starlink 1260

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 45404U 20019AW  26185.05624359  .00081891  00000-0  19785-2 0  9994

2 45404  53.1550 304.8102 0001653 209.4281 150.6631 15.40480977347840

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-1260 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on March 18, 2020, from Launch Pad LC39A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 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 when its components are fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and its shape consists of a box structure plus an antenna panel. The mission purpose of STARLINK-1260 is communication within SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

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-L5-08

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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