Space Brief 9 Nov 2025
Today's top stories include SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Blue Origin's FAA exemption request, and major acquisitions by Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace shaping the defense and space landscape.
STARLINK-4694 (53708)
COSPAR: 2022-107J | Alt Name: Starlink 4694
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53708
International Designator
2022-107J
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
350.26°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
89.57°
Period
94.65 min
Mean Motion
15.21 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4694
Alternative Name
Starlink 4694
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53708U 22107J 26201.83335647 .00084794 00000+0 36974-2 0 9997
2 53708 53.1609 350.2644 0002242 89.5703 30.3089 15.21455307 5837
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4694, also known as Starlink 4694, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and part of the Starlink constellation. It was launched on September 5, 2022, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span. With a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link capabilities. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, while its power source consists of solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with a pan.
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
305
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-20-09
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day Humanity Got Its First Close-up of the Future Apollo Landing Site
Sixty years ago, a pioneering spacecraft called Ranger 8 captured thousands of detailed photographs of the lunar surface before intentionally crashing into the Moon, helping pave the way for humanity's first steps on another world
Space Brief 8 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
Space Brief 30 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab joining the US Space Force's national security launch program, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, China's successful EVA, and intriguing science aboard SpaceX's Fram2 mission.
X Report 13 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched an Israeli satellite and remains on track for its upcoming Crew-11 mission while continuing to engage in mystery satellite launches.
Space Brief 20 Feb 2025
Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.
Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.