Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
STARLINK-5061 (54847)
COSPAR: 2022-177AD | Alt Name: Starlink 5061
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 28, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
54847
International Designator
2022-177AD
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:25:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
84.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.01°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-5061
Alternative Name
Starlink 5061
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 54847U 22177AD 26200.72632020 .00002117 00000+0 86412-4 0 9994
2 54847 43.0014 84.6143 0000654 265.0135 95.0642 15.27588580197412
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5061 satellite, also known as Starlink 5061, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on December 28, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 290 kg and a launch mass of 305 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and includes an optical inter-satellite link. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters, and it powers itself through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and its primary mission is communication. It was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and owned by the same entity.
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 5-1-28
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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