X Report 19 Mar 2025
SpaceX safely returns Crew-9 from ISS, launches new Starlink satellites, and showcases its satellite kit production capabilities.
STARLINK-4303 (53544)
COSPAR: 2022-101T | Alt Name: Starlink 4303
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53544
International Designator
2022-101T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:23:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
185.44°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
84.12°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-4303
Alternative Name
Starlink 4303
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53544U 22101T 26201.14115852 .00000720 00000+0 31543-4 0 9993
2 53544 53.1612 185.4415 0001319 84.1242 275.9912 15.35396550217023
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-4303, also known as Starlink 4303, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on August 19, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 290 kg and was launched with a total mass of 300 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is fitted with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-27-18 constellation, manufactured 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
290
Launch Mass
300
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-27-18
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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