Space Brief 8 Aug 2025
Today's brief highlights significant shifts in military space spending due to the Golden Dome program, the U.S. Space Force's advancements in tactical satellite communications, and NASA's race to nuclear power in space.
STARLINK-4704 (53725)
COSPAR: 2022-107AB | Alt Name: Starlink 4704
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53725
International Designator
2022-107AB
Decay Date
10/30/2022
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4704
Alternative Name
Starlink 4704
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-4704 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX), identified by NORAD as CAT_ID 53725 and OBJECT_ID 2022-107AB. Launched on September 5, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and it serves the Starlink Group 4-20-26 communication mission.
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 4-20-26
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
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