X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
STARLINK-3516 (51739)
COSPAR: 2022-016AB | Alt Name: Starlink 3516
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51739
International Designator
2022-016AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
82.86°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
101.18°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3516
Alternative Name
Starlink 3516
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51739U 22016AB 26200.83335647 .00012635 00000+0 41738-3 0 9997
2 51739 53.1609 82.8636 0001977 101.1778 71.3355 15.31765700 5782
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3516 satellite, also known as Starlink 3516 and part of the Starlink Group 4-8-26 payload, was launched on February 21, 2022, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when deployed. It weighs approximately 275 kilograms dry, with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, STARLINK-3516 is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it operates as part of a constellation aimed at providing global internet coverage.
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 4-8-26
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
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