Space Brief 30 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.
STARLINK-4257 (53184)
COSPAR: 2022-083BE | Alt Name: Starlink 4257
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53184
International Designator
2022-083BE
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
248.15°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
103.53°
Period
94.85 min
Mean Motion
15.18 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-4257
Alternative Name
Starlink 4257
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53184U 22083BE 26201.25004630 .00016736 00000+0 82240-3 0 9998
2 53184 53.1604 248.1469 0001717 103.5291 159.0409 15.18178703 5748
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4257 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on July 17, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 297 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 275 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its mission is to provide communication services using krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and maintenance of its orbit.
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 4-22-53
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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