Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
STARLINK-3699 (51966)
COSPAR: 2022-025L | Alt Name: Starlink 3699
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 9, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51966
International Designator
2022-025L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:32:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
143.38°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.77°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-3699
Alternative Name
Starlink 3699
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51966U 22025L 26200.56407227 .00000109 00000+0 15271-4 0 9990
2 51966 53.1610 143.3776 0001441 95.7739 264.3427 15.31697458241033
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3699 satellite, also known as Starlink 3699, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 9, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and was launched with a mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), this satellite operates as part of the Starlink Group 4-10-11 mission to provide communication services.
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 4-10-11
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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