Space Brief 5 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into key military developments in space, including the Space Force's pioneering officer training and innovative small satellite communication strategies.
STARLINK-4661 (53732)
COSPAR: 2022-107AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 4661
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53732
International Designator
2022-107AJ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:19:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
16.69°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
86.22°
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-4661
Alternative Name
Starlink 4661
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53732U 22107AJ 26200.88829312 .00000143 00000+0 14998-4 0 9995
2 53732 53.1628 16.6916 0001199 86.2218 273.8923 15.35403549214564
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-4661 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-107AJ) is a Starlink communication satellite launched by SpaceX on September 5, 2022, from the LC40 launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite’s shape is described as "Box + pan." It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity under the Starlink Group 4-20-33 payload category.
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 4-20-33
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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