X Report 30 Nov 2024
SpaceX executes dual Starlink launches and secures Dragonfly mission contract while managing NRO satellite deployment.
STARLINK-3346 (50821)
COSPAR: 2022-001U | Alt Name: Starlink 3346
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50821
International Designator
2022-001U
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
292.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
84.16°
Period
94.60 min
Mean Motion
15.22 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-3346
Alternative Name
Starlink 3346
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50821U 22001U 26201.33335647 .00017908 00000+0 78199-3 0 9997
2 50821 53.1589 292.8736 0002481 84.1583 90.4013 15.22207552 5801
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-3346 satellite, also known as Starlink 3346, was launched on January 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center by a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and serves communication purposes. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and its span reaches up to 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, it uses krypton ion thrusters as propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as box-like with pan configuration. It operates under the ownership of SpaceX and was manufactured by SpaceX itself.
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
275
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-5-19
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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