Space Brief 25 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights the need for better space debris management, multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, and NASA's upcoming lunar cargo delivery plans.
STARLINK-3738 (52117)
COSPAR: 2022-029AF | Alt Name: Starlink 3738
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 19, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52117
International Designator
2022-029AF
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:35:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
200.80°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
81.36°
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-3738
Alternative Name
Starlink 3738
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52117U 22029AF 26201.14966823 .00000563 00000+0 28429-4 0 9993
2 52117 53.1615 200.8018 0001149 81.3648 278.7485 15.33553777240848
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3738 satellite, also known as Starlink 3738, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 19, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), STARLINK-3738 is designed for communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 4-12-30 mission.
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 4-12-30
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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