Space Brief 12 Feb 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
STARLINK-5048 (53911)
COSPAR: 2022-119AB | Alt Name: Starlink 5048
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53911
International Designator
2022-119AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:15:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
84.30°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.57°
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-5048
Alternative Name
Starlink 5048
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53911U 22119AB 26200.05267618 -.00001507 00000+0 -76614-4 0 9991
2 53911 53.1595 84.3004 0001385 88.5666 271.5484 15.08826179211657
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5048 satellite, also known as Starlink 5048, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on September 24, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, 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 and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Manufactured by SPXS, STARLINK-5048 operates in a Box + pan shape configuration for its mission to enhance global communication capabilities.
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 4-35-26
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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