Space Brief 27 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's progress on the Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, BlackSky's new government contract, and AEI's policy recommendations for Space Force restructuring.
STARLINK-3538 (51996)
COSPAR: 2022-025AS | Alt Name: Starlink 3538
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 9, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51996
International Designator
2022-025AS
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:24:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
141.18°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.38°
Period
93.90 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-3538
Alternative Name
Starlink 3538
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51996U 22025AS 26201.10050106 .00000574 00000+0 28806-4 0 9998
2 51996 53.1626 141.1840 0001590 83.3791 276.7392 15.33546258240958
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3538 satellite, also known as Starlink 3538, is part of the Starlink Group 4-10-41 and was launched on March 9, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters, with a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it serves a communication mission under the ownership of SpaceX.
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 4-10-41
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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