Space Brief 6 Dec 2025
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STARLINK-4542 (53435)
COSPAR: 2022-097AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 4542
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 10, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53435
International Designator
2022-097AZ
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:27:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
225.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.71°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-4542
Alternative Name
Starlink 4542
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53435U 22097AZ 26201.10271579 .00001536 00000+0 56604-4 0 9992
2 53435 53.1604 225.2028 0001498 90.7098 269.4076 15.34392967218810
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4542 satellite, also known as Starlink 4542, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and launched on August 10, 2022. It was part of the Starlink Group 4-26-48 payload and deployed from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, with a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link system. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is propelled by krypton ion thrusters. Its shape can be described as box-shaped with a pan configuration, and it operates in support of the Starlink constellation's mission to provide global internet connectivity.
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 4-26-48
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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