STARLINK-4012 (52602)

COSPAR: 2022-052E | Alt Name: Starlink 4012

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 14, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52602

International Designator

2022-052E

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:40:12 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

45.12°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

92.48°

Period

95.44 min

Mean Motion

15.09 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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4012

Alternative Name

Starlink 4012

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52602U 22052E   26200.94459093  .00000344  00000+0  39726-4 0  9990

2 52602  53.1616  45.1150 0001472  92.4778 267.6382 15.08831298231629

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-4012 satellite, also known as Starlink 4012, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on May 14, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR), Launch Pad LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and weighed 297 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it also features Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, intended for communication purposes within the Starlink Group 4-15-05 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

Dry Mass

275

Launch Mass

297

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink Group 4-15-05

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

SPXS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Starlink

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Krypton ion thrusters

Equipment

Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link

Power System

Solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

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