Space Brief 2 Jul 2025
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STARLINK-4642 (53720)
COSPAR: 2022-107W | Alt Name: Starlink 4642
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53720
International Designator
2022-107W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:21:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
17.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.28°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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-4642
Alternative Name
Starlink 4642
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53720U 22107W 26200.72344644 .00000556 00000+0 26850-4 0 9993
2 53720 53.1616 17.0840 0001024 87.2757 272.8364 15.35398287214408
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4642 satellite, also known as Starlink 4642, was launched on September 5, 2022, from the AFSFL LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink Group 4-20-21 and is owned by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus panel shape. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its dry mass is recorded at 290 kilograms while the launch mass was 305 kilograms. The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system.
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 4-20-21
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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