STARLINK-3173 (51111)

COSPAR: 2022-005H | Alt Name: Starlink 3173

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 19, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51111

International Designator

2022-005H

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

53.30°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

256.60°

Period

95.17 min

Mean Motion

15.13 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3173

Alternative Name

Starlink 3173

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 51111U 22005H   26201.33335647  .00027892  00000+0  15706-2 0  9991

2 51111  53.1608  53.3015 0000551 256.6022  14.7744 15.13043920  5702

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3173 is a Starlink communication satellite owned by SpaceX (SPXS), launched on January 19, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays and batteries providing power. It weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link communications, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape is described as box-like with panels, and it forms part of the Starlink Group 4-6-08 constellation mission aimed at enhancing global communication capabilities.

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

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 4-6-08

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

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