Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.
STARLINK-4169 (53280)
COSPAR: 2022-086AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 4169
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53280
International Designator
2022-086AQ
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
261.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
153.50°
Period
94.28 min
Mean Motion
15.27 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-4169
Alternative Name
Starlink 4169
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53280U 22086AQ 26201.25004630 .00023981 00000+0 89272-3 0 9990
2 53280 53.1594 261.7571 0000880 153.4998 133.5268 15.27383178 5740
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4169 is a Starlink communication satellite owned by SPXS and launched on July 24, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are extended. The satellite weighs 275 kg dry and had a launch mass of 297 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-25-39 constellation.
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 4-25-39
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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