Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
STARLINK-3398 (51120)
COSPAR: 2022-005S | Alt Name: Starlink 3398
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51120
International Designator
2022-005S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:54:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
55.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.22°
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-3398
Alternative Name
Starlink 3398
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51120U 22005S 26200.87102396 -.00004575 00000+0 -26952-3 0 9993
2 51120 53.1610 55.4547 0001552 88.2224 271.8945 15.08842721248835
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3398 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on January 19, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-6-17 constellation.
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 4-6-17
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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