Space Brief 18 Feb 2025
Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.
STARLINK-4346 (53073)
COSPAR: 2022-077AG | Alt Name: Starlink 4346
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53073
International Designator
2022-077AG
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:33:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.64°
Right Ascension
31.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
116.78°
Period
94.52 min
Mean Motion
15.24 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-4346
Alternative Name
Starlink 4346
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53073U 22077AG 26201.06503492 .00006405 00000+0 27118-3 0 9992
2 53073 97.6357 31.1585 0007439 116.7789 243.4209 15.23511294221431
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-4346 satellite, also known as Starlink 4346, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on July 11, 2022, from the AFWTR launch site at SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms and its launch mass was 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with panels. It operates in a communication mission under SpaceX ownership.
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 3-1-31
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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