The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
STARLINK-5042 (53899)
COSPAR: 2022-119P | Alt Name: Starlink 5042
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53899
International Designator
2022-119P
Decay Date
7/7/2026
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5042
Alternative Name
Starlink 5042
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-5042 satellite, also known as Starlink 5042, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on September 24, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite weighs about 305 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link for data transfer between satellites. STARLINK-5042 uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation, and its propulsion system consists of krypton ion thrusters to adjust its position in orbit. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a panel configuration, serving the mission objective 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 4-35-14
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 13 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the inaugural national security mission of ULA's Vulcan Centaur, the Space Force's 2026 budget insights, and shifts in military drone technology.
X Report 25 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves new milestones with back-to-back launches for the NRO while preparing for groundbreaking crewed polar mission FRAM2.
SpaceX Launches 2 Starlink Batches in 48 Hours, Both Coasts | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched Starlink batches from Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral within 48 hours, pushing the active constellation toward 10,000 operational satellites.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
Space Brief 21 Aug 2024
Recent Starlink launches, autonomous navigation for satellite swarms, major funding for asteroid mining, and insights into NASA's various projects and developments.
A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home
For 56 years, April 22 has been the day the world stops to look at itself. Before that was possible, someone had to invent the view. This is the story of how we first saw Earth from the outside, from a crashed V-2 camera in the New Mexico desert to the Blue Marble that still hangs on classroom walls.
X Report 25 Aug 2025
SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.