STARLINK-3551 (51887)

COSPAR: 2022-022AM | Alt Name: Starlink 3551

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 3, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51887

International Designator

2022-022AM

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:20:08 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

120.45°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

92.36°

Period

93.85 min

Mean Motion

15.34 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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3551

Alternative Name

Starlink 3551

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 51887U 22022AM  26200.80565279  .00001089  00000+0  43362-4 0  9998

2 51887  53.1613 120.4535 0001337  92.3578 267.7578 15.34393246243267

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3551 satellite, also known as Starlink 3551, is part of the Starlink Group 4-9-36 constellation and was launched on March 3, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms, operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays with batteries to generate power. Its mission is dedicated to communication services, with a shape described as box plus pan 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

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 4-9-36

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

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