Space Brief 25 Jul 2025
Today's briefing covers Spire Global's new intelligence products, a significant military buildup in the Pacific, Space Force organizational changes, and more.
STARLINK-4494 (53558)
COSPAR: 2022-101AH | Alt Name: Starlink 4494
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53558
International Designator
2022-101AH
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
183.45°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
74.63°
Period
95.27 min
Mean Motion
15.12 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4494
Alternative Name
Starlink 4494
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53558U 22101AH 26201.25004630 .00038359 00000+0 22448-2 0 9992
2 53558 53.1587 183.4486 0000813 74.6270 202.1246 15.11501431 5845
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4494 satellite, also known as Starlink 4494 and part of the Starlink Group 4-27-32 payload, was launched on August 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS, it is a communication satellite with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, featuring a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kg and was launched at a mass of 300 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power generation relies on solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape consists of a box with panels and it belongs to the Starlink constellation managed by SPXS.
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 4-27-32
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 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
X Report 30 Apr 2025
SpaceX achieves a remarkable milestone with its 50th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, while Starlink continues to expand, facing competition from China's megaconstellation efforts.
STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus
On May 4, 1989, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from LC-39B carrying Magellan, NASA's first interplanetary mission since 1978. The eleven-year drought ended in a payload bay, and the radar that emerged would map ninety-eight percent of Venus through clouds that no camera could ever see through.
Space Force Awards Orbital AMTI to 9 Companies | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force confirmed 9 companies won orbital Air Moving Target Indication contracts. Capability shifts airborne surveillance to satellites for expanded coverage and survivability.
Space Brief 28 Nov 2025
Discover the latest on China's Zhuque-3 launch, ISS crew updates, ESA's budget dealings, a strategic super-resolution partnership, and ACME Space's innovative plans.
X Report 17 Aug 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 10th Starship test flight, set for August 24, as the FAA grants approval following earlier setbacks.
ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Atlas V deployed 29 Amazon Kuiper LEO satellites on April 27. Falcon Heavy returns this week with ViaSat-3 F3. Six orbital launches scheduled across three continents.