Space Brief 11 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights key developments in space technology, military space activities, and satellite refueling initiatives. Discover the latest on GEO satellite refueling, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and more.
STARLINK-3802 (52286)
COSPAR: 2022-041AB | Alt Name: Starlink 3802
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52286
International Designator
2022-041AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
224.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
80.35°
Period
94.03 min
Mean Motion
15.31 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-3802
Alternative Name
Starlink 3802
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52286U 22041AB 26200.83335647 .00045352 00000+0 14745-2 0 9992
2 52286 53.1609 224.3447 0001904 80.3487 119.2287 15.31476692 5839
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3802 satellite, also known as Starlink 3802, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on April 21, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters, likely due to its solar arrays. It weighs approximately 275 kilograms when dry and had an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for data transmission, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The purpose of this satellite is to facilitate communication services as part of SpaceX's broader mission to provide global internet coverage through its Starlink 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 4-14-26
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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