Space Brief 30 May 2025
Today's brief highlights significant advancements in satellite launches, new defense contracts, and technological integrations between major firms in the space sector.
STARLINK-4709 (53778)
COSPAR: 2022-111F | Alt Name: Starlink 4709
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 11, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53778
International Designator
2022-111F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:40:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
43.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.97°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-4709
Alternative Name
Starlink 4709
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53778U 22111F 26200.81954720 -.00008766 00000+0 -29152-3 0 9993
2 53778 53.1609 43.5433 0001341 90.9714 269.1440 15.29384624213609
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4709, also known as Starlink 4709, is a communication satellite launched on September 11, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch and 290 kilograms dry, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is supplied through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and is owned by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 4-2-06
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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