Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
STARLINK-3648 (51993)
COSPAR: 2022-025AP | Alt Name: Starlink 3648
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 9, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51993
International Designator
2022-025AP
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:33:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
164.38°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.55°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 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-3648
Alternative Name
Starlink 3648
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51993U 22025AP 26201.10651994 .00000392 00000+0 42747-4 0 9995
2 51993 53.1611 164.3827 0001228 88.5517 271.5615 15.08836948241055
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3648 satellite, also known as Starlink 3648, is operated by SPXS and serves a communication mission under the Starlink Group 4-10-38 payload. It was launched on March 9, 2022, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded as 275 kilograms, with a total launch mass of 297 kilograms. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The spacecraft employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its structure can be described as having a box shape with an additional 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 4-10-38
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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