X Report 24 Mar 2025
SpaceX sets a rocket re-use record, Starlink satellites continue to proliferate, and Botswana launches its first national satellite.
STARLINK-4550 (53570)
COSPAR: 2022-101AV | Alt Name: Starlink 4550
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53570
International Designator
2022-101AV
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:01:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
174.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.54°
Period
93.90 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-4550
Alternative Name
Starlink 4550
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53570U 22101AV 26201.29296705 .00000633 00000+0 30570-4 0 9997
2 53570 53.1615 174.3572 0001210 88.5385 271.5756 15.33560019217212
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4550 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on August 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 300 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is part of the Starlink Group 4-27-44 constellation. Power for STARLINK-4550 comes from solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters.
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 4-27-44
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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