Artemis 2 Crew Reaches Moon, NASA Cuts Budget 25% | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2's four astronauts entered lunar sphere of influence April 6, first crewed arrival since Apollo 17. NASA simultaneously proposed 25% budget cut for FY2027.
STARLINK-3603 (51816)
COSPAR: 2022-017BA | Alt Name: Starlink 3603
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51816
International Designator
2022-017BA
Epoch
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:08:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.20°
Right Ascension
97.30°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
330.84°
Period
88.26 min
Mean Motion
16.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3603
Alternative Name
Starlink 3603
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51816U 22017BA 26110.17249344 .05695219 12130-4 10475-2 0 9994
2 51816 53.1993 97.2968 0000902 330.8384 29.2611 16.31574393231036
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 51816 and OBJECT_ID 2022-017BA, named STARLINK-3603 or alternatively known as Starlink 3603, was launched on February 25, 2022. The launch took place at AFWTR's SLC4E pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It serves a communication mission for its owner and manufacturer SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries to generate power.
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 4-11-49
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 Brief 8 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
Esrange Spaceport
Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.
X Report 10 Mar 2025
SpaceX plans first Starship launch from Florida, and prepares for NASA’s SPHEREx and PUNCH missions from Vandenberg.
Space Brief 23 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun
Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction