Space Brief 7 Nov 2025
Today's brief highlights a landmark cooperation between NASA and China to prevent satellite collision, strategic steps in American space leadership through nuclear energy, a U.S. military missile test, and more.
STARLINK-3616 (51782)
COSPAR: 2022-017Q | Alt Name: Starlink 3616
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51782
International Designator
2022-017Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:43:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
111.26°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.20°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-3616
Alternative Name
Starlink 3616
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51782U 22017Q 26200.78043807 .00001003 00000+0 40828-4 0 9991
2 51782 53.1610 111.2648 0001243 91.1999 268.9146 15.34389284242193
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3616 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation, launched by SpaceX on February 25, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms with a total launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and its shape consists of a box configuration with an attached 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 4-11-15
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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