Space Brief 17 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
STARLINK-3312 (50850)
COSPAR: 2022-001AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 3312
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50850
International Designator
2022-001AZ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:35:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
265.47°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
56.46°
Period
94.57 min
Mean Motion
15.23 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-3312
Alternative Name
Starlink 3312
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50850U 22001AZ 26200.44157826 .00007269 00000+0 32242-3 0 9999
2 50850 53.1605 265.4692 0001474 56.4583 303.6555 15.22620161251282
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3312 satellite, also known as Starlink 3312, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on January 6, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It weighs approximately 275 kg dry, with a launch mass of 297 kg. Equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering, STARLINK-3312's mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-5-48 constellation segment.
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 4-5-48
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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