Space Brief 2 Jun 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.
STARLINK-5226 (54056)
COSPAR: 2022-136F | Alt Name: Starlink 5226
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 20, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54056
International Designator
2022-136F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:13:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
113.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.51°
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-5226
Alternative Name
Starlink 5226
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54056U 22136F 26200.13448286 -.00000075 00000+0 13379-4 0 9999
2 54056 53.1610 113.3423 0001489 92.5058 267.6104 15.08830297206698
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-5226 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-136F) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on October 20, 2022, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite features Ku/Ka-band payload equipment and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its dry mass is recorded at 290 kg with a launch mass of 305 kg. It utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-36-06 payload, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), and operated for communication purposes.
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 4-36-06
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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