Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
STARLINK-4349 (53044)
COSPAR: 2022-077B | Alt Name: Starlink 4349
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53044
International Designator
2022-077B
Epoch
Sun, 03 May 2026 08:17:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.55°
Right Ascension
320.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
251.34°
Period
87.32 min
Mean Motion
16.49 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-4349
Alternative Name
Starlink 4349
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53044U 22077B 26123.34559900 .10175676 27295-5 13556-3 0 9999
2 53044 97.5535 320.6144 0008443 251.3393 108.6994 16.49062714210209
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite, identified by NORAD CAT ID 53044 and OBJECT ID 2022-077B, was launched on July 11, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully extended. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Its power supply comes from solar arrays and batteries. The satellite, named STARLINK-4349 or Starlink 4349, is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) and operates under the Starlink Group 3-1-02 payload for communication purposes.
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 3-1-02
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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