STARLINK-3172 (51139)

COSPAR: 2022-005AM | Alt Name: Starlink 3172

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

51139

International Designator

2022-005AM

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:37:20 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

61.62°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

78.01°

Period

93.90 min

Mean Motion

15.34 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-3172

Alternative Name

Starlink 3172

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 51139U 22005AM  26201.02593698  .00004448  00000+0  14648-3 0  9996

2 51139  53.1613  61.6223 0000864  78.0148 282.0951 15.33549794248760

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3172 satellite, also known as Starlink 3172, was launched on January 19, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink Group 4-6-36 and is owned by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms, with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It features Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering.

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 4-6-36

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

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