X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.
STARLINK-4261 (52868)
COSPAR: 2022-062AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 4261
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52868
International Designator
2022-062AQ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
150.18°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
80.54°
Period
94.64 min
Mean Motion
15.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4261
Alternative Name
Starlink 4261
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52868U 22062AQ 26200.83335647 .00069093 00000+0 30099-2 0 9999
2 52868 53.1593 150.1803 0001049 80.5426 296.7099 15.21592004 5785
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-4261, also known as Starlink 4261, was launched on June 17, 2022, from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and serves communication purposes. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology for communication. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and operates using solar arrays and batteries for power.
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 4-19-39
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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