X Report 5 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while returning to form with Starship testing at Starbase. Meanwhile, preparations for upcoming launches are underway.
STARLINK-4340 (53494)
COSPAR: 2022-099AF | Alt Name: Starlink 4340
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53494
International Designator
2022-099AF
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.28°
Right Ascension
319.79°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.40°
Period
94.57 min
Mean Motion
15.23 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-4340
Alternative Name
Starlink 4340
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53494U 22099AF 26201.25004630 .00093669 00000+0 39782-2 0 9991
2 53494 97.2841 319.7869 0002605 91.4040 137.4464 15.22668608 5684
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-4340 is a Starlink satellite identified by NORAD as 53494 and OBJECT_ID 2022-099AF, launched on August 12, 2022, from AFWTR (SLC4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 300 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power. The purpose of STARLINK-4340 is communication as part of the Starlink Group 3-3-30 constellation, owned by SpaceX (SPXS).
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
300
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 3-3-30
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
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