Space Brief 13 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers a new naming system by Space Force, China's space advances, drone defense at Cape Canaveral, and more military updates impacting space operations.
STARLINK-5421 (54799)
COSPAR: 2022-175AT | Alt Name: Starlink 5421
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 17, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54799
International Designator
2022-175AT
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:07:58 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
143.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
86.31°
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-5421
Alternative Name
Starlink 5421
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54799U 22175AT 26201.25554141 .00000097 00000+0 24211-4 0 9998
2 54799 53.1605 143.6774 0001472 86.3111 273.8049 15.08837517200282
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-5421 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-175AT) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on December 17, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. At launch, it had a mass of 305 kilograms, with a dry mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 4-37-42
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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