Space Brief 10 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers significant events, including advancements in US missile warning systems, SpaceX's Florida Starship plans, a European rocket's success, and NASA's upcoming missions.
STARLINK-4212 (52846)
COSPAR: 2022-062S | Alt Name: Starlink 4212
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52846
International Designator
2022-062S
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
158.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
18.61°
Period
94.69 min
Mean Motion
15.21 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-4212
Alternative Name
Starlink 4212
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52846U 22062S 26201.25004630 .00052966 00000+0 23746-2 0 9999
2 52846 53.1605 158.4639 0001113 18.6099 12.3557 15.20732697 5844
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4212 satellite, also known as Starlink 4212, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on June 17, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Weighing 297 kilograms at launch and having a dry mass of 275 kilograms, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The structure of STARLINK-4212 can be described as box-shaped with panels.
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 4-19-17
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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