Space Brief 27 Oct 2025
Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.
STARLINK-3870 (52451)
COSPAR: 2022-049A | Alt Name: Starlink 3870
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52451
International Designator
2022-049A
Epoch
Tue, 26 May 2026 00:37:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.20°
Right Ascension
51.92°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
244.91°
Period
87.49 min
Mean Motion
16.46 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-3870
Alternative Name
Starlink 3870
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52451U 22049A 26146.02623728 .09852349 12440-4 20819-3 0 9991
2 52451 53.2006 51.9162 0010518 244.9051 115.0909 16.45990611224206
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3870 satellite, also known as Starlink 3870 and part of the Starlink Group 4-17-01 payload, was launched on May 6, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) with a communication mission. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 220 kilograms, and it weighs 297 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, STARLINK-3870 utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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
220
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-17-01
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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