Space Brief 30 Oct 2025
Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.
STARLINK-3598 (51897)
COSPAR: 2022-022AX | Alt Name: Starlink 3598
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 3, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51897
International Designator
2022-022AX
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:43:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
120.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
254.30°
Period
93.80 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3598
Alternative Name
Starlink 3598
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51897U 22022AX 26200.78036413 -.00159141 00000+0 -46798-2 0 9998
2 51897 53.1628 120.6077 0004206 254.3025 105.7514 15.35174565243265
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3598 satellite, also known as Starlink 3598, is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on March 3, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It operates in a communication mission configuration with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communications and an optical inter-satellite link, along with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. For propulsion, it utilizes Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design, and its purpose aligns with SpaceX’s broader Starlink constellation mission to provide global internet coverage.
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 4-9-46
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
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