STARLINK-3618 (51998)

COSPAR: 2022-025AU | Alt Name: Starlink 3618

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 9, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51998

International Designator

2022-025AU

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:52:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

142.89°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

93.54°

Period

93.79 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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3618

Alternative Name

Starlink 3618

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 51998U 22025AU  26200.86995190  .00001119  00000+0  42984-4 0  9992

2 51998  53.1618 142.8926 0001162  93.5420 266.5716 15.35404916240910

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3618 satellite, also known as Starlink 3618, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on March 9, 2022, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit.

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

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 4-10-43

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

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