Space Brief 22 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
STARLINK-3646 (51785)
COSPAR: 2022-017T | Alt Name: Starlink 3646
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51785
International Designator
2022-017T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:43:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
100.25°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
71.32°
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-3646
Alternative Name
Starlink 3646
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51785U 22017T 26201.02996606 .00006961 00000+0 23599-3 0 9999
2 51785 53.1608 100.2495 0001132 71.3183 288.7942 15.31681092242466
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3646 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 25, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC4E pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It weighs 275 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries.
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 4-11-18
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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