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.
STARLINK-3855 (52474)
COSPAR: 2022-049Z | Alt Name: Starlink 3855
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52474
International Designator
2022-049Z
Epoch
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:16:12 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.20°
Right Ascension
315.40°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
256.56°
Period
87.53 min
Mean Motion
16.45 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3855
Alternative Name
Starlink 3855
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52474U 22049Z 26084.17792690 .10221595 12469-4 28481-3 0 9997
2 52474 53.2021 315.3988 0005804 256.5610 103.4794 16.45177351215068
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3855 satellite, also known as Starlink 3855, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 6, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs 297 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 220 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission is communication as part of the Starlink Group 4-17-24 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
220
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-17-24
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 8 Apr 2025
SpaceX announces massive contract awards, advances Starship reusability, and continues to dominate with Starlink deployments.
SpaceX IPO Day 1: Falcon 9 Flies, Musk Eyes $1T | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX surged 19% on Nasdaq debut as Falcon 9 B1093 deployed 24 Starlink satellites — the 1,500th launched in 2026 — while Dragon CRS-34 heads home.
DARPA Robotic GEO Servicer Targeting Summer 2026 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
DARPA's robotic satellite servicing mission targets GEO orbit by summer 2026. NASA adds six SpaceX crew missions as Boeing Starliner remains uncertified.
X Report 22 Nov 2025
Major challenges emerged with SpaceX's next-generation Starship booster testing, while Starlink deployments continued with successful launches.
Crew-12 Launches, Falcon 9 Makes First Landing at New LZ-40 Pad | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches Crew-12 to ISS and lands Falcon 9 booster at new LZ-40 pad for the first time. xAI restructures $18B in debt ahead of possible IPO. 6,000 Starlink terminals smuggled into Iran.
Space Brief 11 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers Millennium's milestone in missile defense, new satellite jammer for Space Force, budget increases for defense, delays in MEO satellite contracts, and potential impacts of Trump's latest order on Pentagon programs.
Starlink Crosses 10,000 Active Satellites, X Report 18 Mar 2026
Starlink satellite count 2026: SpaceX tops 10,000 active satellites, 10,037 working of 11,558 launched, under seven years after first launch.