STARLINK-3638 (51786)

COSPAR: 2022-017U | Alt Name: Starlink 3638

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 25, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51786

International Designator

2022-017U

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:00:03 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

113.10°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

97.81°

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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3638

Alternative Name

Starlink 3638

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 51786U 22017U   26200.66670139  .00044825  00000+0  13314-2 0  9993

2 51786  53.1603 113.0974 0001386  97.8103 107.2230 15.34365182  5758

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3638, also known as Starlink 3638, is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 25, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Weighing 275 kilograms dry, it was launched with a mass of 297 kilograms. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. It is shaped like a box with panels and is part of the Starlink Group 4-11-19 mission, dedicated to establishing global internet connectivity.

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

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 4-11-19

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

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