STARLINK-4068 (52681)

COSPAR: 2022-053AB | Alt Name: Starlink 4068

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 18, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52681

International Designator

2022-053AB

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:28:25 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

271.84°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

72.22°

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-4068

Alternative Name

Starlink 4068

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52681U 22053AB  26200.56140972  .00000224  00000+0  32134-4 0  9992

2 52681  53.1595 271.8384 0000882  72.2223 287.8864 15.08832902231042

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-4068 satellite, also known as Starlink 4068, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 18, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its deployed components. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and optical inter-satellite link technology, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters for orbital adjustments. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite operates in a box plus pan shape configuration and serves as part of the Starlink Group 4-18-26 communication mission.

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 4-18-26

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

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