Space Brief 10 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include strategic shifts in the defense sector, innovations in solar technology for space, and developments in satellite-related military projects.
STARLINK-4262 (53015)
COSPAR: 2022-076AF | Alt Name: Starlink 4262
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 7, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53015
International Designator
2022-076AF
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:20:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
212.98°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
33.94°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 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-4262
Alternative Name
Starlink 4262
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53015U 22076AF 26200.30566944 -.00001406 00000+0 -70290-4 0 9992
2 53015 53.1595 212.9795 0000998 33.9398 326.1657 15.08822152222853
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 53015 and OBJECT_ID 2022-076AF is a Starlink spacecraft launched on July 7, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its deployable components. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms, and it weighed 297 kilograms at launch. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, the spacecraft uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and is part of the Starlink Group 4-21-30 constellation, designed to provide global internet coverage through its high-speed communication capabilities. The satellite employs Krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvering.
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 4-21-30
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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