Space Brief 9 Jan 2025
Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.
STARLINK-4703 (53855)
COSPAR: 2022-114AP | Alt Name: Starlink 4703
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53855
International Designator
2022-114AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:19:58 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
54.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
80.16°
Period
94.02 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-4703
Alternative Name
Starlink 4703
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53855U 22114AP 26200.97220691 .00013265 00000+0 43935-3 0 9995
2 53855 53.1632 54.9552 0001767 80.1612 279.9589 15.31634542213017
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4703 satellite, also known as Starlink 4703, is part of the Starlink Group 4-34-38 and 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, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its deployed components. It weighs 305 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries to generate power. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and is owned by SPXS (SpaceX).
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 4-34-38
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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