X Report 8 Apr 2025
SpaceX announces massive contract awards, advances Starship reusability, and continues to dominate with Starlink deployments.
STARLINK-4291 (52988)
COSPAR: 2022-076C | Alt Name: Starlink 4291
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 7, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52988
International Designator
2022-076C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:12:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
218.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.48°
Period
93.90 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-4291
Alternative Name
Starlink 4291
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52988U 22076C 26200.34218205 .00003726 00000+0 12455-3 0 9991
2 52988 53.1593 218.7822 0001291 79.4830 280.6318 15.33549357222777
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4291 is a communication satellite, also known as Starlink 4291, belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on July 7, 2022, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range at Launch Pad LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It features dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, shaped as a box with a pan configuration. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its power system includes solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 4-21-03
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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