Space Brief 11 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights key developments in space technology, military space activities, and satellite refueling initiatives. Discover the latest on GEO satellite refueling, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and more.
STARLINK-5442 (54784)
COSPAR: 2022-175AC | Alt Name: Starlink 5442
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54784
International Designator
2022-175AC
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
167.81°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
62.28°
Period
94.32 min
Mean Motion
15.27 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-5442
Alternative Name
Starlink 5442
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54784U 22175AC 26201.25004630 .00047738 00000+0 17982-2 0 9993
2 54784 53.1607 167.8126 0000569 62.2788 325.5539 15.26650957 5706
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-5442 satellite, designated as 2022-175AC under NORAD tracking, was launched on December 17, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Operated by SpaceX (SPXS), this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters with its deployed elements. It weighs 290 kilograms dry, carrying equipment such as Ku/Ka-band payload for high-speed internet services and an optical inter-satellite link for data transfer. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and features krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Its purpose aligns with the broader Starlink mission to provide 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 4-37-27
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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