STARLINK-3609 (51808)

COSPAR: 2022-017AS | Alt Name: Starlink 3609

Image
STARLINK-3609 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 25, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51808

International Designator

2022-017AS

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

102.11°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

72.49°

Period

94.30 min

Mean Motion

15.27 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3609

Alternative Name

Starlink 3609

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 51808U 22017AS  26201.33335647  .00017436  00000+0  66094-3 0  9997
2 51808  53.1603 102.1082 0001931  72.4905  20.7191 15.26989094  5814

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-3609 satellite, also known as Starlink 3609, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and part of the Starlink Group 4-11-41 payload. It was launched on February 25, 2022, from AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E (Space Launch Complex 4 East). The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 275 kilograms dry, with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation along with Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system.

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 4-11-41

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

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