Space Brief 12 Feb 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
STARLINK-4778 (53836)
COSPAR: 2022-114U | Alt Name: Starlink 4778
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53836
International Designator
2022-114U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.22°
Right Ascension
45.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
54.15°
Period
93.22 min
Mean Motion
15.45 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-4778
Alternative Name
Starlink 4778
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53836U 22114U 26200.83335647 -.00833354 00000+0 -19272-1 0 9993
2 53836 53.2176 45.0548 0001183 54.1502 34.4069 15.44653784 5904
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4778 satellite, also known as Starlink 4778 and part of the Starlink Group 4-34-19 mission, was launched on September 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 305 kg at launch with a dry mass of 290 kg. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft's shape is described as box with pan configuration and it is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for the purpose of providing communication services.
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 4-34-19
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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