STARLINK-1263 (45405)

COSPAR: 2020-019AX | Alt Name: Starlink 1263

Image
STARLINK-1263 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45405

International Designator

2020-019AX

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:02:55 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

308.05°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

257.94°

Period

93.66 min

Mean Motion

15.37 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1263

Alternative Name

Starlink 1263

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45405U 20019AX  26184.75203542  .00055229  00000-0  14822-2 0  9991
2 45405  53.1573 308.0517 0001408 257.9448 102.1399 15.37441913347771

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite STARLINK-1263 (OBJECT_ID: 2020-019AX) is a Starlink communication spacecraft owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 18, 2020, from the Kennedy Space Center (LC39A) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The spacecraft is propelled by krypton ion thrusters and has a box-shaped body with pan elements, designed primarily for communication purposes as part of 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

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-L5-10

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.

X Report 4 Jan 2025

X Report 4 Jan 2025

SpaceX kicks off 2025 with successful launches and a record-breaking outlook, aiming to maintain its market leadership amidst emerging competition.

China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.

Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force executes first tactical orbital intercept under Victus Haze mission using commercial spacecraft. Rendezvous and proximity operations now operationally demonstrated.

X Report 20 Sep 2025

X Report 20 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, enhancing its global internet coverage as the company continues to dominate the satellite communications market.

Space Brief 2 Jul 2025

Space Brief 2 Jul 2025

Explore today's major events in space, including military advancements in satellite tracking, new missile defenses, and significant defense funding decisions.

X Report 8 Aug 2025

X Report 8 Aug 2025

SpaceX celebrates its 100th launch of the year with a Falcon 9 mission carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, while Crew-10 prepares for its return from the ISS and the company expands its interplanetary ambitions with new Mars partnerships.

York Space Goes Public at $629M, Cold War JUMPSEAT Spy Satellites Declassified | KeepTrack Space Brief

York Space Goes Public at $629M, Cold War JUMPSEAT Spy Satellites Declassified | KeepTrack Space Brief

York Space raises $629M in IPO to expand satellite manufacturing. NRO declassifies Cold War-era JUMPSEAT spy satellites. Lockheed to boost THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 per year.

Space Brief 3 Nov 2024

Space Brief 3 Nov 2024

Today focuses on Blue Origin's preparation for New Glenn's debut, SpaceX Crew-9's ISS maneuver, the importance of U.S.-China cooperation in space, and breathtaking ISS photography.