Space Brief 25 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.
STARLINK-4693 (53605)
COSPAR: 2022-104T | Alt Name: Starlink 4693
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 28, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53605
International Designator
2022-104T
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:26:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.20°
Right Ascension
38.47°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.68°
Period
87.22 min
Mean Motion
16.51 rev/day
Latitude
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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-4693
Alternative Name
Starlink 4693
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53605U 22104T 26185.01853740 .13516996 12670-4 12351-3 0 9993
2 53605 53.1990 38.4686 0009137 276.6796 83.3218 16.50918675213780
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4693 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink Group 4-23-18, owned by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on August 28, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 300 kilograms at launch and 290 kilograms dry mass. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite link capabilities alongside krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape resembles a box with a pan configuration, and its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink constellation.
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 4-23-18
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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