Space Brief 21 Jun 2025
Today's brief highlights a Pentagon satellite network challenge, the expanding use of AI in military strategy, and advancements in commercial launch vehicle production.
STARLINK-4740 (53871)
COSPAR: 2022-114BF | Alt Name: Starlink 4740
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53871
International Designator
2022-114BF
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:41:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
26.89°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.94°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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-4740
Alternative Name
Starlink 4740
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53871U 22114BF 26200.82045897 .00001168 00000+0 44392-4 0 9998
2 53871 53.1625 26.8878 0001201 92.9406 267.1734 15.35398825213398
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4740, also known as Starlink 4740, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and was launched on September 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite links as well as krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX, the same entity that owns it.
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 4-34-54
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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