STARLINK-4538 (53430)

COSPAR: 2022-097AU | Alt Name: Starlink 4538

Image
STARLINK-4538 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 10, 2022

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53430

International Designator

2022-097AU

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:49:21 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

229.14°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

53.31°

Period

93.79 min

Mean Motion

15.35 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4538

Alternative Name

Starlink 4538

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 53430U 22097AU  26200.36760579  .00002879  00000+0  93387-4 0  9997
2 53430  53.1611 229.1449 0000971  53.3093 306.7999 15.35410205218690

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-4538 satellite, also known as Starlink 4538, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on August 10, 2022, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kg, while its launch mass was 297 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's design includes a box shape with solar panels and is used primarily for communication purposes.

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 4-26-43

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
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