Space Brief 27 Oct 2025
Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.
STARLINK-4033 (52702)
COSPAR: 2022-053AY | Alt Name: Starlink 4033
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52702
International Designator
2022-053AY
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:12:38 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
277.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.24°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4033
Alternative Name
Starlink 4033
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52702U 22053AY 26200.46711385 .00000251 00000+0 33855-4 0 9998
2 52702 53.1608 277.2931 0001076 88.2364 271.8751 15.08831486230984
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4033 satellite, also known as Starlink 4033, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 18, 2022, from the Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters, it has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. SpaceX manufactured this satellite, which operates in a box shape with a pan configuration for its mission to enhance global communication services.
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
275
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-18-47
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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