Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
STARLINK-4196 (52859)
COSPAR: 2022-062AF | Alt Name: Starlink 4196
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52859
International Designator
2022-062AF
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
149.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
109.96°
Period
94.44 min
Mean Motion
15.25 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-4196
Alternative Name
Starlink 4196
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52859U 22062AF 26200.83335647 .00069827 00000+0 27721-2 0 9992
2 52859 53.1585 149.9727 0000997 109.9622 258.1693 15.24725907 5833
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-4196 (also known as Starlink 4196) is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and owned by SPXS. It was launched on June 17, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A 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 an overall span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms and it had a launch mass of 297 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link capability, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape consists of a box with an antenna panel (pan). It is part of the Starlink Group 4-19-30 mission, aimed at providing global broadband internet service.
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 4-19-30
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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