Space Brief 14 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.
STARLINK-5162 (54184)
COSPAR: 2022-141AD | Alt Name: Starlink 5162
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54184
International Designator
2022-141AD
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:52:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
127.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.69°
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-5162
Alternative Name
Starlink 5162
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54184U 22141AD 26201.03658154 -.00000230 00000+0 43674-5 0 9999
2 54184 53.1612 127.1611 0001143 88.6874 271.4259 15.31705441205874
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5162 satellite, also known as Starlink 5162, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on October 28, 2022, from Vandenberg Space Force Base (AFWTR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 290 kilograms with a launch mass of 305 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite's main mission is to facilitate global communication services.
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 4-31-28
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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