X Report 31 Mar 2025
New experiments in space agriculture begin with Fram2 mission, a historic polar orbit flight, and a Starlink launch postponement.
STARLINK-3642 (51989)
COSPAR: 2022-025AK | Alt Name: Starlink 3642
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 9, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51989
International Designator
2022-025AK
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:12:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
159.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
93.82°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3642
Alternative Name
Starlink 3642
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51989U 22025AK 26201.17526336 .00000452 00000+0 24526-4 0 9990
2 51989 53.1628 159.0064 0001284 93.8189 266.2960 15.34392088241132
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3642 satellite, also known as Starlink 3642, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 9, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. STARLINK-3642 is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries to store energy. The satellite utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and serves a communication mission as part of the Starlink Group 4-10-34 constellation. Its shape consists of a box with a 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.
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 4-10-34
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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