Space Brief 2 Jan 2025
Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.
STARLINK-3791 (52269)
COSPAR: 2022-041J | Alt Name: Starlink 3791
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52269
International Designator
2022-041J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:05:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
237.65°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
84.10°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3791
Alternative Name
Starlink 3791
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52269U 22041J 26200.37879162 .00000343 00000+0 39663-4 0 9996
2 52269 53.1595 237.6542 0000990 84.1028 276.0076 15.08830616234245
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3791 satellite, also known as Starlink 3791, is a communication spacecraft operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on April 21, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is recorded at 275 kilograms and it was launched with a mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite also includes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The spacecraft's shape is described as box-like with a pan configuration and it forms part of the Starlink Group 4-14-09 constellation.
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 4-14-09
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Awards Counter-Surveillance Payload Contracts | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force RCO awarded SBIR contracts for radar-detection payloads to counter adversary surveillance of U.S. satellites. Follow-on miniaturization effort already planned.
Starship Flight 12 Targets Mid-May Launch, X Report 2 May 2026
Starship Flight 12 status for May 2026: SpaceX targets mid-May with a revised trajectory, while Starlink 10-38 lofts 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral.
Space Brief 6 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a diverse range of topics, including reentry mission approvals, leadership changes in the Space Development Agency, and innovative military satellite communications.
X Report 15 Jul 2025
Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.
X Report 30 Nov 2024
SpaceX executes dual Starlink launches and secures Dragonfly mission contract while managing NRO satellite deployment.
ISS Crew Shelters in Dragon During Active Air Leak | KeepTrack X Report
ISS astronauts evacuated to a SpaceX Dragon capsule on June 5 as cosmonauts worked to seal a persistent air leak on the Russian segment.
Space Force Opens Secret Tracking Data to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force shares classified tracking data with commercial firms. Falcon 9 reentry linked to upper-atmosphere lithium plume. SpaceX launches 54 Starlink sats in one day.