STARLINK-3553 (51866)

COSPAR: 2022-022Q | Alt Name: Starlink 3553

Image
STARLINK-3553 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 3, 2022

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51866

International Designator

2022-022Q

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

133.03°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

139.44°

Period

94.94 min

Mean Motion

15.17 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-3553

Alternative Name

Starlink 3553

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 51866U 22022Q   26201.33335647  .00051987  00000+0  26096-2 0  9993
2 51866  53.1608 133.0309 0000293 139.4363  91.6512 15.16821530  5712

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-3553, also known as Starlink 3553, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on March 3, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters when deployed. It weighs 275 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. STARLINK-3553 is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication and features optical inter-satellite links. Its propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters, and it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. It operates in a communication mission for SpaceX.

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 4-9-15

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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