Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
STARLINK-5018 (53929)
COSPAR: 2022-119AV | Alt Name: Starlink 5018
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 24, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53929
International Designator
2022-119AV
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:18:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
82.71°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.85°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-5018
Alternative Name
Starlink 5018
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53929U 22119AV 26200.13767792 .00001840 00000+0 76081-4 0 9993
2 53929 53.1614 82.7148 0001157 83.8546 276.2586 15.29353984211681
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-5018, also known as Starlink 5018, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on September 24, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters, featuring a shape described as "Box + pan." Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The mission is part of the Starlink Group 4-35-44 constellation aimed at providing global internet coverage.
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 4-35-44
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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