X Report 24 Nov 2024
SpaceX cancels Texas land-swap deal amid growing Starship presence and launches 20 Starlink satellites using the 400th Falcon 9 rocket.
STARLINK-4696 (53710)
COSPAR: 2022-107L | Alt Name: Starlink 4696
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53710
International Designator
2022-107L
Decay Date
10/24/2022
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4696
Alternative Name
Starlink 4696
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-4696 is a communication satellite launched on September 5, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 305 kilograms at launch and consists primarily of a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries, featuring krypton ion thrusters for its motor system. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped with a pan configuration. It operates within the Starlink Group 4-20-11 constellation owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS), aimed at providing communication services.
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 4-20-11
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 20 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers a DARPA award for Redwire's innovative satellite project, Ursa Major's expansion in defense engines, a Rocket Lab military test flight, and more.
X Report 15 Nov 2025
SpaceX made headlines with back-to-back Falcon 9 launches from Florida, successfully deploying 29 additional Starlink satellites, further enhancing its extensive broadband network.
X Report 14 May 2025
SpaceX conducted significant test firings and further expanded its satellite fleet, while the EU scrutinizes Starlink's market impact amid ongoing space industry negotiations.
Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
Pentagon Pulls the Plug on GPS OCX | The $8 Billion Ground System That Never Worked
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.
X Report 25 May 2025
SpaceX addresses the cause of its recent Starship Flight 8 explosion, while successfully launching 23 more Starlink satellites as it continues to expand its constellation.
X Report 26 Mar 2025
SpaceX's Starlink dish offers gigabit speeds, boosting competitiveness; NRO taps SpaceX for satellite launches, expanding spy satellite network.