NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg at 1:50 a.m. PDT June 19, carrying Starshield spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
STARLINK-4520 (53400)
COSPAR: 2022-097N | Alt Name: Starlink 4520
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 10, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53400
International Designator
2022-097N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:04:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
252.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.77°
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-4520
Alternative Name
Starlink 4520
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53400U 22097N 26200.41972545 .00002209 00000+0 15687-3 0 9991
2 53400 53.1595 252.4751 0000979 79.7742 280.3360 15.08825896218408
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4520 satellite, also known as Starlink 4520, is a communication spacecraft belonging to SpaceX's (SPXS) Starlink constellation. Launched on August 10, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.2 meters and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 275 kilograms, and its total launch mass was 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-4520 uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its mission focuses on communication services.
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 4-26-13
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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