STARLINK-4668 (53596)

COSPAR: 2022-104J | Alt Name: Starlink 4668
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-4668 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 28, 2022

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53596

International Designator

2022-104J

Decay Date

6/13/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4668

Alternative Name

Starlink 4668

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-4668 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-104J) is a Starlink spacecraft launched on August 28, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It weighs 300 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's mission is communication, and it was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity. Its shape is described as a box with a pan 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.
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 4-23-09

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

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