Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers the deployment of a new optical sensor for the Space Force, SpaceX's recent Starlink satellite launch, and significant investment in space cargo vehicles.
STARLINK-3394 (51118)
COSPAR: 2022-005Q | Alt Name: Starlink 3394
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51118
International Designator
2022-005Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:59:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
55.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.21°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 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-3394
Alternative Name
Starlink 3394
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51118U 22005Q 26200.83327140 -.00000306 00000+0 -11031-5 0 9994
2 51118 53.1606 55.6133 0001414 90.2065 269.9088 15.08832941248821
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3394 satellite, also known as Starlink 3394, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on January 19, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. At launch, it had a mass of 297 kilograms, reducing to a dry mass of 275 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication, the satellite utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The shape of the spacecraft is described as "Box + pan".
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 4-6-15
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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