STARLINK-1296 (45412)

COSPAR: 2020-019BE | Alt Name: Starlink 1296

Image
STARLINK-1296 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 18, 2020

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45412

International Designator

2020-019BE

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:59:42 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

306.43°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

191.33°

Period

93.44 min

Mean Motion

15.41 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-1296

Alternative Name

Starlink 1296

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 45412U 20019BE  26184.62479835  .00077847  00000-0  18478-2 0  9996
2 45412  53.1569 306.4254 0001319 191.3319 168.7657 15.41040333347785

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-1296 is a communication satellite from the Starlink series launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on March 18, 2020, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, including optical inter-satellite links for a few prototypes, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and it operates in space for communication purposes.

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-L5-39

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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