Space Brief 28 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 250th Starlink mission, a key Senate vote for NASA's next administrator, and insights into satellite missions and movements.
STARLINK-5046 (53892)
COSPAR: 2022-119G | Alt Name: Starlink 5046
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53892
International Designator
2022-119G
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:52:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
89.95°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.09°
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-5046
Alternative Name
Starlink 5046
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53892U 22119G 26200.95331451 .00000428 00000+0 45009-4 0 9998
2 53892 53.1597 89.9502 0001446 91.0887 269.0270 15.08834976211652
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5046 satellite, also known as Starlink 5046, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on September 24, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and was launched with a mass of 305 kilograms. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and it serves a communication mission within the Starlink Group 4-35-07 constellation.
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 4-35-07
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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