Space Brief 27 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers next-generation missile defense strategies, NASA's Dream Chaser contract updates, and technological advances in Air Force cyber defense.
STARLINK-5179 (54102)
COSPAR: 2022-136BD | Alt Name: Starlink 5179
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 20, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54102
International Designator
2022-136BD
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:31:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
100.91°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
104.04°
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-5179
Alternative Name
Starlink 5179
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54102U 22136BD 26200.77209366 .00000890 00000+0 74015-4 0 9993
2 54102 53.1606 100.9053 0001403 104.0416 256.0731 15.08819456206927
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5179 satellite, also known as Starlink 5179, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on October 20, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, it also uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation. The satellite is designed in the shape of a box with panels and operates within SpaceX's Starlink Group 4-36-52 constellation to facilitate 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 4-36-52
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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