STARLINK-4601 (53617)

COSPAR: 2022-104AF | Alt Name: Starlink 4601

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 28, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53617

International Designator

2022-104AF

Decay Date

1/8/2025

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4601

Alternative Name

Starlink 4601

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-4601 satellite, also known as Starlink 4601 and part of the Starlink Group 4-23-30 payload, was launched on August 28, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), this satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and an initial launch mass of 300 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite is designed in a Box + pan shape configuration and is owned by SPXS (SpaceX).

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

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 4-23-30

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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