Space Brief 17 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.
STARLINK-3859 (52470)
COSPAR: 2022-049V | Alt Name: Starlink 3859
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52470
International Designator
2022-049V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
185.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
112.80°
Period
94.94 min
Mean Motion
15.17 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-3859
Alternative Name
Starlink 3859
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52470U 22049V 26200.83335647 .00083630 00000+0 41801-2 0 9999
2 52470 53.1610 185.4631 0002579 112.7955 188.1679 15.16737981 5785
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-3859 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-049V) is a Starlink communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using the 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, indicating large solar arrays or antennas. It has a dry mass of 220 kg and a launch mass of 297 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link technology, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. The shape of the spacecraft is described as "Box + pan."
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 4-17-20
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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