Iran Struck U.S. Aircraft Despite 'Maxed Out' Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief
Iran successfully struck U.S. aircraft in Saudi Arabia despite maxed-out defensive posture. Space Force ISR and missile warning gaps exposed. Tracking impacts.
STARLINK-4796 (53909)
COSPAR: 2022-119Z | Alt Name: Starlink 4796
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53909
International Designator
2022-119Z
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:25:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
81.23°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
90.65°
Period
95.49 min
Mean Motion
15.08 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4796
Alternative Name
Starlink 4796
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53909U 22119Z 26200.80925950 .00000614 00000+0 57822-4 0 9997
2 53909 53.1621 81.2317 0001485 90.6515 269.4647 15.08021889211769
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4796 satellite, also known as Starlink 4796, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. It was launched on September 24, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kilograms and a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is propelled by krypton ion thrusters. Its shape is described as "Box + pan," and it is part of the Starlink Group 4-35-24 payload.
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 4-35-24
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief
Brig. Gen. Gursharan Sandhoo double-hatted as SDA director and Space Force missile warning PAE head as Pentagon consolidates LEO satellite programs under new acquisition structure.
Falcon 9 Booster Hits Record 35th Flight | KeepTrack X Report
A Falcon 9 booster sets a reusability record on its 35th flight during the Starlink 10-35 mission, the constellation's 53rd dedicated launch.
Starship V3 Flight 12 Four Weeks Out, X Report 11 Mar 2026
Starship V3 timeline: Musk puts Flight 12 about 4 weeks out, early to mid April 2026. SpaceX also hit 30 missions of 2026 with the 15,000-lb EchoStar 25.
X Report 10 Sep 2025
SpaceX makes strides with United States national security satellites, securing substantial spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-cell services, and preparing for future Starship developments.
Vulcan Set to Open 2026 With USSF-87 National Security Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket preps for USSF-87 national security launch to open 2026. Sierra Space delivers SDA Tranche 2 satellites three months early. NASA delays spacewalk for Crew-11 medical issue.
Space Brief 30 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include Europe's record space budget for independence, Transporter-15's successful launch of 140 payloads, and the damage to the Baikonur pad affecting upcoming ISS missions.
Space Brief 10 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's intense launch schedule, a new Arctic military constellation, Muon Space's defense innovations, and SpaceX's classified NROL-77 mission.