STARLINK-3550 (52373)

COSPAR: 2022-045AU | Alt Name: Starlink 3550

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 29, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52373

International Designator

2022-045AU

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:23:58 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

309.74°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

83.46°

Period

93.85 min

Mean Motion

15.34 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3550

Alternative Name

Starlink 3550

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52373U 22045AU  26201.01665146  .00000440  00000+0  24164-4 0  9991

2 52373  53.1610 309.7415 0001016  83.4609 276.6509 15.34386676235975

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3550 satellite, also known as Starlink 3550, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 29, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a box plus panel shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 275 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication and optical inter-satellite links for data transmission, the satellite also features Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation.

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 4-16-43

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.

Space Brief 14 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon launches, urgent warnings about orbital collisions, and a doubleheader launch featuring spy and Starlink satellites.

X Report 22 Apr 2025

Amid multiple new launches, SpaceX marks its 300th orbital flight milestone at Cape Canaveral while pushing forward with cargo and reentry missions.

The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites

Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent

Space Brief 24 Aug 2024

Blue Origin prepares for New Shepard flight, SpaceX completes second launch tower, Supreme Court ruling impacts space debris regulations, and updates on lunar habitats and NASA personnel. Plus, featuring CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA) as our Satellite of the Day.

Space Brief 6 May 2025

Today's brief covers a significant hypersonic flight by Stratolaunch, the US Space Force's missile warning upgrades, and major government space investments.

Space Brief 1 Jul 2025

Key developments in the space sector include new partnerships for satellite surveillance, strategic shifts from the Defense Department impacting weather forecasting, and the Space Force's focus on agile satellite technologies.

Space Brief 11 Aug 2025

Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.