Space Brief 16 Jun 2025
Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
Launch Date
August 28, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
53588
International Designator
2022-104A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:29:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
10.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.06°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
STARLINK-4691
Alternative Name
Starlink 4691
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 53588U 22104A 26200.85400338 .00000130 00000+0 26283-4 0 9997
2 53588 53.1620 10.7723 0001279 92.0570 268.0568 15.08830331216040
Source: Celestrak
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
Payload
Starlink Group 4-23-01
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
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