Space Brief 6 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a diverse range of topics, including reentry mission approvals, leadership changes in the Space Development Agency, and innovative military satellite communications.
STARLINK-4206 (52847)
COSPAR: 2022-062T | Alt Name: Starlink 4206
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52847
International Designator
2022-062T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
160.56°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
69.95°
Period
95.11 min
Mean Motion
15.14 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-4206
Alternative Name
Starlink 4206
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52847U 22062T 26200.83335647 .00068213 00000+0 36864-2 0 9995
2 52847 53.1594 160.5599 0002787 69.9529 159.1445 15.14083329 5835
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4206 satellite, also known as Starlink 4206 and part of the Starlink Group 4-19-18 payload, was launched on June 17, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite is manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) for communication purposes and equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link systems, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and launch mass of 297 kilograms, utilizing krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as box with pan configuration, owned by SPXS (SpaceX), and operates in the communication mission category.
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 4-19-18
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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