Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.
STARLINK-4138 (53535)
COSPAR: 2022-101J | Alt Name: Starlink 4138
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53535
International Designator
2022-101J
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:35:08 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
198.63°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
47.75°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4138
Alternative Name
Starlink 4138
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53535U 22101J 26201.27440260 .00001648 00000+0 12158-3 0 9991
2 53535 53.1599 198.6285 0001566 47.7531 312.3593 15.08844851216187
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4138 is a Starlink satellite with the OBJECT_ID 2022-101J, manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite is designed for communication purposes and features equipment such as Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, it has a dry mass of 290 kg and was launched with a mass of 300 kg. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for its propulsion system. Its shape is described as "Box + pan."
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
290
Launch Mass
300
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-27-09
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 6 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers various military applications of climate-monitoring satellites, new defense strategies against unmanned threats, and the potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on orbit.
NASA Awards SpaceX 6 More Crew Missions as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report
NASA is adding 6 post-certification crew missions to SpaceX's contract as Boeing remains unable to certify Starliner for operational flights.
X Report 22 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks a successful launch of 21 Starlink satellites, follows up after Starship explosion, and influences Qantas flights amid a busy operational schedule.
Space Force Activates Cyber Squadrons at Launch Sites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force stands up 2 cyber defense squadrons at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg to protect launch operations against adversary interference targeting pad networks and telemetry systems.
X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
SpaceX Stacks Super Heavy for Starship's 12th Test Flight | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX stacks Super Heavy booster in preparation for Starship's 12th test flight. Three launches planned this week including ISRO rideshare mission. Musk shares AI and robotics predictions on podcast.
Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.