Space Brief 10 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include strategic shifts in the defense sector, innovations in solar technology for space, and developments in satellite-related military projects.
STARLINK-4548 (53431)
COSPAR: 2022-097AV | Alt Name: Starlink 4548
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 10, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53431
International Designator
2022-097AV
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:18:05 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
225.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.01°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-4548
Alternative Name
Starlink 4548
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53431U 22097AV 26201.09589942 .00002168 00000+0 73020-4 0 9995
2 53431 53.1600 225.8710 0001378 79.0095 281.1063 15.35408206218823
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4548 is a Starlink satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS), launched on August 10, 2022, from Kennedy Space Center's LC39A 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 fully deployed. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-26-44 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 4-26-44
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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