SpaceX Starfall Reentry Vehicle Plans Revealed by FAA | KeepTrack X Report
FAA documents expose SpaceX's Starfall reentry vehicle program, targeting in-space manufacturing support as the Starlink constellation holds 10,397 working satellites.
STARLINK-3601 (51804)
COSPAR: 2022-017AN | Alt Name: Starlink 3601
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51804
International Designator
2022-017AN
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
92.95°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
55.00°
Period
94.86 min
Mean Motion
15.18 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3601
Alternative Name
Starlink 3601
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51804U 22017AN 26201.33335647 .00003157 00000+0 16846-3 0 9998
2 51804 53.1605 92.9476 0001135 55.0047 339.7419 15.18041762 5767
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3601 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and was launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on February 25, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded at 275 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, the satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for its motor and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. The mission of STARLINK-3601 is to provide communication services, and it has a box + pan shape configuration.
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 4-11-37
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Airborne Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
NRO awards three commercial data contracts and explores vetting satellite firms for airborne target tracking via U.S. Space Force. Strategic expansion of GEOINT capabilities.
Space Brief 8 Dec 2024
Explore today's key space events including a SpaceX Starlink launch, Neuraspace's new telescope for space traffic monitoring, and Globalstar's defense-focused satellite service debut.
Space Brief 28 May 2025
Today's briefing covers SpaceX's ambitious launch and temporary setback with their Super Heavy booster, adjustments in South African telecommunications laws influenced by Starlink, and the U.S. Navy's strategic shifts amidst changes in unmanned combatant acquisitions.
X Report 5 Mar 2025
SpaceX's busy launch schedule faces scrubs, while industry leaders call for infrastructure upgrades, highlighting challenges in the bustling space sector.
SpaceX Hits 600 Rocket Landings, Wins $175M Mars Deal | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's 600th Falcon 9 booster landing coincides with a $175M NASA Mars contract win and the final GPS III satellite launch this week.