Space Brief 13 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.
STARLINK-3308 (50846)
COSPAR: 2022-001AV | Alt Name: Starlink 3308
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50846
International Designator
2022-001AV
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:37:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
302.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.29°
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-3308
Alternative Name
Starlink 3308
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50846U 22001AV 26200.69246081 -.00000051 00000+0 10144-4 0 9994
2 50846 53.1609 302.2045 0001613 87.2864 272.8322 15.31700048250250
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3308, also known as Starlink 3308, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on January 6, 2022, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Equipped with a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its payload includes Ku/Ka-band communication equipment and an optical inter-satellite link, supported by Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The mission's purpose is to provide global internet coverage as part of SpaceX's larger Starlink network.
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 4-5-44
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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