Space Brief 30 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers China's rapid satellite launch activities, new Pentagon contracts for rocket motors, the Dream Chaser spaceplane's upcoming flight, and more.
STARLINK-4780 (53848)
COSPAR: 2022-114AG | Alt Name: Starlink 4780
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53848
International Designator
2022-114AG
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:37:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
59.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
102.14°
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-4780
Alternative Name
Starlink 4780
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53848U 22114AG 26201.02597523 -.00000732 00000+0 -27926-4 0 9995
2 53848 53.1607 59.4815 0001421 102.1417 257.9734 15.08834668212953
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4780 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on September 19, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It had a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms, equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission falls under the Starlink Group 4-34-31 constellation and serves as part of SpaceX's broader communication network.
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 4-34-31
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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