Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
STARLINK-3300 (50841)
COSPAR: 2022-001AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 3300
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50841
International Designator
2022-001AQ
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:10:19 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
300.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
71.90°
Period
93.90 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-3300
Alternative Name
Starlink 3300
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50841U 22001AQ 26201.25716711 -.00001441 00000+0 -32501-4 0 9990
2 50841 53.1611 300.4248 0001020 71.8951 288.2163 15.33540022250329
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3300 satellite, also known as Starlink 3300, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on January 6, 2022, from Kennedy Space Center LC39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration, designed for optimal performance in space communication services.
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 4-5-39
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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