Space Brief 1 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the Space Force's AI integration, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor plans, ESA's Flight Ticket Initiative, Martian mantle revelations, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
STARLINK-4473 (53660)
COSPAR: 2022-105N | Alt Name: Starlink 4473
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53660
International Designator
2022-105N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:14:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
77.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
81.43°
Period
95.64 min
Mean Motion
15.06 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-4473
Alternative Name
Starlink 4473
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53660U 22105N 26200.63500516 -.00000252 00000+0 -13560-4 0 9995
2 53660 97.2837 77.9380 0002489 81.4340 278.7170 15.05654022213081
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4473 satellite, also known as Starlink 4473 and part of the Starlink Group 3-4-13 payload, was launched by SpaceX on August 31, 2022, from Vandenberg Space Force Base (AFWTR), SLC4E launch pad, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters. The satellite weighs around 300 kg at launch and 290 kg dry mass. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission is to provide communication services through the use of krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 3-4-13
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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