Space Brief 17 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.
STARLINK-5109 (54002)
COSPAR: 2022-125AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 5109
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54002
International Designator
2022-125AQ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:12:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
325.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
49.56°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-5109
Alternative Name
Starlink 5109
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54002U 22125AQ 26200.75894763 .00001105 00000+0 47344-4 0 9994
2 54002 53.1630 325.8715 0000878 49.5647 310.5431 15.31708977209613
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5109 satellite, also known as Starlink 5109, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. Launched on October 5, 2022, from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex (SLC4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication, an optical inter-satellite link, krypton ion thrusters as its motor system, and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape can be described as box-like with a pan configuration, and it was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 4-29-39
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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