Space Brief 7 Mar 2025
Key insights from the latest SpaceX Starship breakup, the establishment of a new satellite mobile service, and enhancing America's missile shield capabilities through satellites.
STARLINK-3631 (51790)
COSPAR: 2022-017Y | Alt Name: Starlink 3631
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51790
International Designator
2022-017Y
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:10:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.21°
Right Ascension
115.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
59.65°
Period
95.39 min
Mean Motion
15.10 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-3631
Alternative Name
Starlink 3631
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51790U 22017Y 26200.84084715 .00008066 00000+0 51436-3 0 9992
2 51790 53.2124 115.6826 0001763 59.6467 300.4699 15.09548595243926
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3631 is a Starlink communication satellite launched on February 25, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Launched as part of the Starlink Group 4-11-23 mission, it operates in a communication capacity. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity.
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 4-11-23
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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