Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.
STARLINK-4508 (53559)
COSPAR: 2022-101AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 4508
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53559
International Designator
2022-101AJ
Epoch
Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:19:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.20°
Right Ascension
348.23°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
284.48°
Period
87.55 min
Mean Motion
16.45 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4508
Alternative Name
Starlink 4508
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53559U 22101AJ 26159.97219514 .09717160 12511-4 28374-3 0 9996
2 53559 53.2045 348.2333 0007571 284.4845 75.5365 16.44753531210451
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4508, also known as Starlink 4508, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on August 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Launch Pad LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and has a box plus pan shape configuration.
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 4-27-33
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.
Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 in The Bahamas for the second time ever during Starlink 10-34 mission. Scientists measure rocket reentry air pollution in real-time for the first time.
Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
Space Brief 23 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.
GAO Warns Space Force Satellite Costs Rising, Workforce Cuts Add Risk | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO flags growing cost problems across Space Force satellite portfolio with workforce reductions compounding risks to missile-warning constellations like NGG and SWAT.
The Afternoon a Blurry Smudge Turned Pluto Into a Double Planet
On 22 June 1978, an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory looked at photographic plates that had been stamped 'image defective' and noticed a small bump on the side of Pluto. The bump was a moon, and finding it finally let astronomers weigh a planet that had fooled them for half a century.
Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.