ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief
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STARLINK-4596 (53624)
COSPAR: 2022-104AN | Alt Name: Starlink 4596
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 28, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53624
International Designator
2022-104AN
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:27:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
354.13°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.40°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-4596
Alternative Name
Starlink 4596
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53624U 22104AN 26201.14386154 .00000644 00000+0 32515-4 0 9995
2 53624 53.1627 354.1336 0001316 87.3957 272.7195 15.31701235215819
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4596 satellite, also known as Starlink 4596, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on August 28, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 300 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It features krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and serves communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 4-23-37 mission, owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 4-23-37
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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