X Report 22 Jul 2025
Critical updates from SpaceX include a scrubbed satellite launch and a busy launch schedule for the week, featuring multiple Falcon 9 missions.
STARLINK-4342 (53070)
COSPAR: 2022-077AD | Alt Name: Starlink 4342
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53070
International Designator
2022-077AD
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:55:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.29°
Right Ascension
19.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
127.73°
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-4342
Alternative Name
Starlink 4342
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53070U 22077AD 26201.24695020 .00000452 00000+0 35222-4 0 9990
2 53070 97.2852 19.6667 0001781 127.7329 232.4060 15.05664233220931
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4342 satellite, also known as Starlink 4342, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on July 11, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays or other extended structures. It weighs 275 kilograms when dry, having launched at a mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-4342 is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters to adjust its orbit and orientation in space. Its primary mission is communication, aligning with SpaceX’s goal of providing global internet coverage through the Starlink constellation.
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 3-1-28
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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