Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
STARLINK-3177 (51138)
COSPAR: 2022-005AL | Alt Name: Starlink 3177
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51138
International Designator
2022-005AL
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:58:11 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.17°
Right Ascension
65.69°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
107.27°
Period
95.37 min
Mean Motion
15.10 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3177
Alternative Name
Starlink 3177
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51138U 22005AL 26200.79041146 .00007260 00000+0 45983-3 0 9995
2 51138 53.1721 65.6929 0001501 107.2730 252.8427 15.09942670248673
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3177 satellite, also known as Starlink 3177, is part of the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 19, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms and it had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape design. It serves the mission of providing communication services.
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 4-6-35
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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