Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
STARLINK-1477 (45754)
COSPAR: 2020-038AA | Alt Name: Starlink 1477
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 13, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45754
International Designator
2020-038AA
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:32:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
41.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
63.12°
Period
94.72 min
Mean Motion
15.20 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-1477
Alternative Name
Starlink 1477
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 45754U 20038AA 26185.02246643 .00041124 00000-0 18714-2 0 9992
2 45754 53.0513 41.7775 0001487 63.1233 296.9914 15.20334291334193
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1477 satellite, also known as Starlink 1477, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on June 13, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has a BUS type of Starlink. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The dry mass is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Its mission focuses on communication purposes as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation, aiming to provide global internet coverage.
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-L8-19
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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