Space Brief 5 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into key military developments in space, including the Space Force's pioneering officer training and innovative small satellite communication strategies.
STARLINK-1443 (45660)
COSPAR: 2020-035D | Alt Name: Starlink 1443
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 4, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45660
International Designator
2020-035D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:27:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.13°
Right Ascension
243.64°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
28.78°
Period
93.83 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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-1443
Alternative Name
Starlink 1443
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45660U 20035D 26185.18587666 .00062306 00000-0 18221-2 0 9993
2 45660 53.1302 243.6423 0001973 28.7845 331.3266 15.34705498336591
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1443 satellite, also known as Starlink 1443, was launched on June 4, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation and serves communication purposes for SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays. At launch, it weighed 260 kilograms, including dry mass of 248 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's structure consists of a box shape with an additional pan component.
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-L7-04
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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