STARLINK-4603 (53625)

COSPAR: 2022-104AP | Alt Name: Starlink 4603
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-4603 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 28, 2022

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53625

International Designator

2022-104AP

Decay Date

12/31/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4603

Alternative Name

Starlink 4603

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The Starlink-4603 satellite, designated 2022-104AP and NORAD_CAT_ID 53625, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on August 28, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Pad LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays. The satellite weighs 300 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters as propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. Its shape is described as box with pan configuration. It belongs to the Starlink Group 4-23-38 payload group and operates under the ownership of 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.
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 4-23-38

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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