X Report 21 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights the causes behind a recent Starship explosion, a significant delay in Axiom-4's launch, and the ongoing tension surrounding SpaceX's market dominance.
STARLINK-4308 (53061)
COSPAR: 2022-077U | Alt Name: Starlink 4308
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53061
International Designator
2022-077U
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:01:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
18.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.80°
Period
95.64 min
Mean Motion
15.06 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-4308
Alternative Name
Starlink 4308
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53061U 22077U 26201.25112269 -.00001271 00000+0 -84229-4 0 9993
2 53061 97.2844 18.4525 0000918 82.8030 277.3302 15.05655168220858
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4308 satellite, also known as Starlink 4308, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on July 11, 2022, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 275 kg dry mass and had a launch mass of 297 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation. The satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and serves as part of the Starlink Group 3-1-19 mission to enhance global communication networks.
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 3-1-19
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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