Space Brief 1 Dec 2024
Today's highlights: China's Long March 12 boosts lunar ambitions, SpaceX supports NRO's satellite infrastructure, Firefly prepares lunar mission, and NASA partners with SpaceX for Titan exploration.
STARLINK-3401 (51465)
COSPAR: 2022-010K | Alt Name: Starlink 3401
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 3, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51465
International Designator
2022-010K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:06:32 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
45.60°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
94.13°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3401
Alternative Name
Starlink 3401
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51465U 22010K 26200.83787213 -.00000230 00000+0 36482-5 0 9998
2 51465 53.1606 45.5952 0001362 94.1298 265.9849 15.08832301247275
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3401 satellite, also known as Starlink 3401, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on February 3, 2022, from the LC39A launch pad at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span, with a dry mass of 275 kg and a launch mass of 297 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system.
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 4-7-24
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.
Space Brief 2 Jun 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.
X Report 6 Apr 2025
SpaceX's Fram2 mission lands in the Pacific, SpaceX secures U.S. military contracts, and Starlink expands with latest satellite launch.
Space Brief 21 Apr 2025
Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.
The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites
Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent
Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.
Space Brief 19 Jun 2025
Discover key developments in space defense and military operations, including new leadership for Space Force's 'Golden Dome,' SpaceX's contract for a military SATCOM network, and increased Israeli-Iranian missile activity.