Space Brief 29 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers closer military and intelligence space integration, new satellite servicing advancements, and more insightful defense and space news.
STARLINK-3179 (51141)
COSPAR: 2022-005AP | Alt Name: Starlink 3179
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51141
International Designator
2022-005AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:37:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
62.54°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
90.89°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3179
Alternative Name
Starlink 3179
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51141U 22005AP 26200.81769990 .00000657 00000+0 29718-4 0 9998
2 51141 53.1617 62.5363 0001065 90.8924 269.2201 15.35405529248731
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3179 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink Group 4-6-38 and was launched by SpaceX on January 19, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A 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 a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. STARLINK-3179 is configured with a Ku/Ka-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape resembles a box with panels and it was deployed for communication purposes under the ownership of SpaceX.
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 4-6-38
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 10 Dec 2024
SpaceX gears up for a busy launch schedule with multiple missions, while its Starship program progresses with a successful Super Heavy test. Meanwhile, NASA's Artemis 2 faces delays, highlighting SpaceX's ongoing momentum in the space sector.
Space Brief 1 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.
Space Brief 29 Nov 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a Soyuz launch mishap that damaged Baikonur pad, Varda Space's AFRL test flights, ION vehicles aboard SpaceX Transporter-15, and more.
X Report 24 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces challenges with a Falcon 9 reentry issue, while continuing to expand its Starlink constellation with new launches.
Space Brief 4 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers a surprise launch by Israel, a milestone missile contract for Lockheed Martin, and updates on Indian missile defense strategies.
X Report 22 Feb 2025
SpaceX secures NASA contract for NEO Surveyor launch and prepares for upcoming Starship test flight.
Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Flyby | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 astronauts completed first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17, traveling 690,000 miles aboard Orion. Four crew validated deep-space systems.