Space Brief 1 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the Space Force's AI integration, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor plans, ESA's Flight Ticket Initiative, Martian mantle revelations, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
STARLINK-4312 (53065)
COSPAR: 2022-077Y | Alt Name: Starlink 4312
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53065
International Designator
2022-077Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:05:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.29°
Right Ascension
18.50°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
100.70°
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-4312
Alternative Name
Starlink 4312
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53065U 22077Y 26201.21236147 -.00000470 00000+0 -28665-4 0 9997
2 53065 97.2861 18.5006 0001776 100.6958 259.4470 15.05653751220850
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4312, also known as Starlink 4312, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on July 11, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft features solar arrays and batteries for power generation, weighing 275 kilograms dry and 297 kilograms at launch. The satellite's primary purpose is to enhance communication capabilities as part of the Starlink Group 3-1-23 mission.
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 3-1-23
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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