Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's SLS and Orion spacecraft rolled back to Launch Complex 39B, targeting April 1 for first crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.
STARLINK-4178 (53277)
COSPAR: 2022-086AM | Alt Name: Starlink 4178
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53277
International Designator
2022-086AM
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:56:40 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
308.48°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
77.78°
Period
94.33 min
Mean Motion
15.27 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4178
Alternative Name
Starlink 4178
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53277U 22086AM 26200.70602041 .00001777 00000+0 80167-4 0 9999
2 53277 53.1627 308.4806 0001020 77.7762 282.3352 15.26518931221166
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4178 satellite, also known as Starlink 4178, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on July 24, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 275 kilograms with an overall launch mass of 297 kilograms. Its primary purpose is communication and it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology along with optical inter-satellite links for enhanced connectivity. Power is generated through solar arrays supported by batteries, while propulsion is provided by krypton ion thrusters. The satellite is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 4-25-36
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
X Report 15 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.
X Report 19 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites in a night mission, marking a significant return to evening launches post-regulations.
Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.
X Report 5 Nov 2025
Today's key development highlights SpaceX's upcoming launch of 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, marking the start of an active month for the satellite constellation.
Esrange Spaceport
Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.
Space Brief 2 Oct 2025
Highlighting ExLabs' Space Force contract, Starlink advances, and developments in orbital communication tech.