Space Brief 16 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.
STARLINK-3302 (50842)
COSPAR: 2022-001AR | Alt Name: Starlink 3302
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50842
International Designator
2022-001AR
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:02:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
299.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
53.42°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-3302
Alternative Name
Starlink 3302
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50842U 22001AR 26201.29369397 -.00006545 00000+0 -19914-3 0 9991
2 50842 53.1584 299.4001 0001357 53.4214 306.6912 15.31727532250333
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-3302 satellite, also known as STARLINK-3302, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. Launched on January 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters. Weighing 297 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 275 kilograms, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape resembles a box with panels extended.
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 4-5-40
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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