Space Brief 30 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers China's rapid satellite launch activities, new Pentagon contracts for rocket motors, the Dream Chaser spaceplane's upcoming flight, and more.
STARLINK-5440 (54785)
COSPAR: 2022-175AD | Alt Name: Starlink 5440
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54785
International Designator
2022-175AD
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
110.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
67.55°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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-5440
Alternative Name
Starlink 5440
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54785U 22175AD 26201.25004630 .00034288 00000+0 98970-3 0 9997
2 54785 53.1582 110.8500 0001268 67.5517 311.6006 15.35389526 5805
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5440 satellite, also known as Starlink 5440, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on December 17, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, it has a span of 9 meters and a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite's propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters and its power source consists of solar arrays complemented by batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX, the mission purpose of STARLINK-5440 revolves around enhancing global internet connectivity as part of a broader constellation.
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 4-37-28
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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