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Record-breaking Chinese launches, SDA funding issues, and a new Starlink milestone highlight today's space news.
STARLINK-4301 (52997)
COSPAR: 2022-076M | Alt Name: Starlink 4301
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 7, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52997
International Designator
2022-076M
Decay Date
2/5/2025
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4301
Alternative Name
Starlink 4301
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-4301 satellite, also known as Starlink 4301 and part of the Starlink Group 4-21-12 payload, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on July 7, 2022, from AFETR (Cape Canaveral) at LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 275 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite link capabilities alongside krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, contributing to its role in the broader Starlink constellation designed to provide global internet coverage.
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 4-21-12
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
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