2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.
STARLINK-4616 (53734)
COSPAR: 2022-107AL | Alt Name: Starlink 4616
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53734
International Designator
2022-107AL
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
19.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
135.51°
Period
94.03 min
Mean Motion
15.31 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-4616
Alternative Name
Starlink 4616
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53734U 22107AL 26200.83335647 .00088337 00000+0 28483-2 0 9998
2 53734 53.1614 19.2720 0000491 135.5103 169.5145 15.31434200 5589
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4616 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink fleet and was launched on September 5, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power generation. The satellite's purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-20-35 constellation.
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 4-20-35
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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