Space Brief 30 May 2025
Today's brief highlights significant advancements in satellite launches, new defense contracts, and technological integrations between major firms in the space sector.
STARLINK-3778 (52276)
COSPAR: 2022-041R | Alt Name: Starlink 3778
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52276
International Designator
2022-041R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:41:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
235.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.67°
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-3778
Alternative Name
Starlink 3778
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52276U 22041R 26200.82040328 -.00000747 00000+0 -28845-4 0 9998
2 52276 53.1603 235.6696 0000911 82.6723 277.4372 15.08823644234314
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3778 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on April 21, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its power source includes solar arrays and batteries. The mission aims to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-14-16 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 4-14-16
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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