STARLINK-4626 (53685)

COSPAR: 2022-105AP | Alt Name: Starlink 4626

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 31, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53685

International Designator

2022-105AP

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:40:14 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

97.29°

Right Ascension

78.29°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

83.17°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-4626

Alternative Name

Starlink 4626

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 53685U 22105AP  26201.11128058 -.00000125  00000+0 -47846-5 0  9997

2 53685  97.2852  78.2937 0001950  83.1720 276.9730 15.05653782213152

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-4626 satellite, also known as Starlink 4626 and part of the Starlink Group 3-4-38 payload, was launched on August 31, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and its primary mission is communication. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a dry mass of 290 kg with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite’s shape is described as box-like with pan extensions, reflecting its design for optimal communication capabilities 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

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 3-4-38

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

Map

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