Space Brief 4 Jul 2025
Explore today's key space events including China's satellite launch, ULA's Vulcan rocket preparations, significant budget bills from Congress, and discussions on lunar business prospects.
STARLINK D (51459)
COSPAR: 2022-010D | Alt Name: Starlink 3170
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 3, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51459
International Designator
2022-010D
Decay Date
2/7/2022
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK D
Alternative Name
Starlink 3170
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite designated by NORAD as 51459 and identified as "STARLINK D" or "Starlink 3170," is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 3, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters, with a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Its shape is described as a box with a pan design. It belongs to the Starlink Group 4-7-04 payload.
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 4-7-04
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 24 Nov 2024
SpaceX cancels Texas land-swap deal amid growing Starship presence and launches 20 Starlink satellites using the 400th Falcon 9 rocket.
SpaceX Hits 50 Launches, Falcon Heavy Scrub, X Report 28 Apr 2026
SpaceX hit 50 launches in 2026 on April 26. Falcon Heavy's ViaSat-3 mission, only its 12th flight, scrubbed on weather at Kennedy; new date pending.
X Report 30 Nov 2024
SpaceX executes dual Starlink launches and secures Dragonfly mission contract while managing NRO satellite deployment.
X Report 30 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to push boundaries with the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites and significant testing preparations for upcoming Crew-11 and Starship missions.
X Report 31 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the latest GPS satellite for the U.S. military, while the FAA has initiated a mishap investigation on a recent Starship test flight. CEO Elon Musk provided updates on the future of the Starship program, indicating ambitious plans ahead.
Pentagon Reveals Space & Cyber "First Mover" Role in Iran Operations | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space & Cyber Command disrupted Iran ops as US munition stockpiles drop. Space Force shifts to commercial ground stations & faces acquisition workforce gaps.
Space Brief 21 May 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant events including a high-stakes missile defense program, recent Chinese satellite launches, military defense initiatives, and key profiles in defense leadership.