STARLINK-4259 (52987)

COSPAR: 2022-076B | Alt Name: Starlink 4259

Image
STARLINK-4259 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 7, 2022

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52987

International Designator

2022-076B

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

229.41°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

72.94°

Period

94.18 min

Mean Motion

15.29 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4259

Alternative Name

Starlink 4259

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 52987U 22076B   26200.83335647  .00034699  00000+0  12201-2 0  9995
2 52987  53.1593 229.4067 0000872  72.9387 188.5228 15.29062384  5832

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-4259 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink series and was launched on July 7, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, the satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. Its power system consists of solar arrays and batteries. The mission involves providing communication services using krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), STARLINK-4259 is owned and operated under the Starlink Group 4-21-02 payload designation.

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 4-21-02

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

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