X Report 6 Mar 2025
Starship Flight 8 set for launch, new milestones in the defense sector, and launch updates dominate today's news.
STARLINK-4344 (53072)
COSPAR: 2022-077AF | Alt Name: Starlink 4344
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53072
International Designator
2022-077AF
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:58:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.29°
Right Ascension
18.84°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
103.65°
Period
95.64 min
Mean Motion
15.06 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-4344
Alternative Name
Starlink 4344
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53072U 22077AF 26200.49928106 -.00000182 00000+0 -87094-5 0 9999
2 53072 97.2857 18.8377 0001858 103.6535 256.4900 15.05653960220815
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4344 is a communication satellite from the Starlink series launched by SpaceX on July 11, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters when fully deployed. It had a launch mass of 297 kilograms and carries equipment including Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and is part of the Starlink Group 3-1-30 mission dedicated to providing communication services.
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 3-1-30
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starship Flight 13 Aborts at Ignition, X Report 17 Jul 2026
Four Raptor engines failed to ignite, scrubbing Starship Flight 13 at Starbase; SpaceX also launched 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg.
X Report 10 Sep 2025
SpaceX makes strides with United States national security satellites, securing substantial spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-cell services, and preparing for future Starship developments.
Space Brief 3 Sep 2024
Today's brief covers China's Yaogan-43 satellite launch, delays in ESA's BepiColombo mission, regulatory approval for OHB's KKR deal, and an upcoming Sentinel-2C launch.
Space Brief 30 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.
Space Brief 17 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
X Report 19 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights a catastrophic failure during Starship preparations, significant advancements in Starlink services in Ukraine and India, and the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites.