Space Brief 21 Feb 2025
Explore the latest developments in international defense collaborations, aerospace advancements, and emerging military trends shaping our orbital environments.
STARLINK-5242 (54173)
COSPAR: 2022-141S | Alt Name: Starlink 5242
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54173
International Designator
2022-141S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:47:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
129.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
74.13°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-5242
Alternative Name
Starlink 5242
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54173U 22141S 26200.19956315 .00004743 00000+0 15158-3 0 9999
2 54173 53.1618 129.7850 0001232 74.1269 285.9870 15.34367881205760
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5242 satellite, also known as Starlink 5242 and part of the Starlink Group 4-31-17 mission, was launched on October 28, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 305 kg at launch with a dry mass of 290 kg and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link equipment, STARLINK-5242 uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. It was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) in the US and is owned by SpaceX. Its primary purpose is communication within its constellation, featuring a box + pan shape design.
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 4-31-17
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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