Space Brief 27 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual Starlink launches, NASA's progress on the Dragonfly mission to Titan, and delays in Starlink's Indian market entry.
STARLINK-4280 (53178)
COSPAR: 2022-083AY | Alt Name: Starlink 4280
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53178
International Designator
2022-083AY
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:47:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
291.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.15°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-4280
Alternative Name
Starlink 4280
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53178U 22083AY 26200.69941190 -.00000153 00000+0 84864-5 0 9992
2 53178 53.1606 291.2198 0000921 82.1466 277.9630 15.08838945221277
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4280 satellite, also known as Starlink 4280, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on July 17, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 4-22-47
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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