X Report 15 Feb 2025
SpaceX sets a reuse record with Falcon 9, advances Starship program, while Starlink influences satellite market dynamics.
STARLINK-1278 (45408)
COSPAR: 2020-019BA | Alt Name: Starlink 1278
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45408
International Designator
2020-019BA
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:05:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
279.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
44.68°
Period
91.30 min
Mean Motion
15.77 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-1278
Alternative Name
Starlink 1278
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45408U 20019BA 26184.96228390 .00148561 00000-0 87398-3 0 9996
2 45408 53.0385 279.1567 0002980 44.6806 315.4454 15.77282548348179
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-1278 satellite, also known as Starlink 1278, was launched on March 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it is part of the Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes and operates with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus panel shape. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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.
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-L5-22
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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