2nd Starlink Debris Event in 3 Months Raises Alarm | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite has generated on-orbit debris in just over 3 months, threatening SpaceX's 10,151-satellite working constellation.
STARLINK-3543 (51716)
COSPAR: 2022-016C | Alt Name: Starlink 3543
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51716
International Designator
2022-016C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
95.38°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
51.08°
Period
94.99 min
Mean Motion
15.16 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3543
Alternative Name
Starlink 3543
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51716U 22016C 26200.83335647 .00008647 00000+0 46170-3 0 9995
2 51716 53.1612 95.3791 0000684 51.0751 111.9670 15.15887188 5788
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3543 satellite, also known as Starlink 3543, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on February 21, 2022, from the AFETR site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from LC40. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully extended. Its dry mass is 275 kg with a launch mass of 297 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and is designed for communication purposes within the Starlink Group 4-8-03 constellation.
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 4-8-03
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.
Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026
Musk confirms Starmind, an AI satellite constellation targeting 1 million orbital compute nodes. Starfall's debut and Dragon's ISS departure follow.
Skyroot's Vikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Breaks Indian Launch Monopoly, Space Brief 18 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket achieved orbit on July 18, becoming the first Indian commercial rocket to do so and breaking ISRO's launch monopoly.
Vandenberg Set to Overtake All Sites as SpaceX Pivots from Falcon 9 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX shifts launch priorities to Vandenberg as Falcon 9 era winds down, while Anthropic signs orbital data center deal with the company.
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
X Report 14 Nov 2025
SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.
Understanding Earth's Orbits and Their Applications
Explore the dynamic realms of Earth's orbits, from LEO to GEO, unraveling the crucial roles they play in global communication, navigation, and surveillance.
SpaceX Launches 2 Starlink Batches in 48 Hours, Both Coasts | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched Starlink batches from Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral within 48 hours, pushing the active constellation toward 10,000 operational satellites.