Space Brief 16 Jan 2025
Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.
STARLINK-4462 (53781)
COSPAR: 2022-111J | Alt Name: Starlink 4462
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 11, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53781
International Designator
2022-111J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:43:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
40.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.23°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 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-4462
Alternative Name
Starlink 4462
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53781U 22111J 26200.82176803 -.00000124 00000+0 10313-4 0 9995
2 53781 53.1613 40.6665 0001339 90.2287 269.8858 15.08834663213642
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4462 satellite, also known as Starlink 4462, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on September 11, 2022, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays. It weighs 290 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite utilizes krypton ion thrusters as motors and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The spacecraft's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration, designed for efficient operation in orbit.
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 4-2-09
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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