Space Brief 22 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's record year, setbacks in Japanese space endeavors, secure communication advancements in orbit, and more updates on martian expeditions.
STARLINK-3460 (51755)
COSPAR: 2022-016AT | Alt Name: Starlink 3460
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51755
International Designator
2022-016AT
Epoch
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:26:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
86.81°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
127.21°
Period
94.29 min
Mean Motion
15.27 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-3460
Alternative Name
Starlink 3460
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51755U 22016AT 26197.85149726 .00000139 00000+0 18066-4 0 9998
2 51755 53.1587 86.8090 0002660 127.2062 232.9181 15.27147432243235
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3460 satellite, also known as Starlink 3460, is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation launched by SpaceX on February 21, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating the deployment of solar arrays or other deployable structures. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters, and it derives its power from solar arrays complemented by batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 4-8-42
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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