Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
STARLINK-3918 (52486)
COSPAR: 2022-049AM | Alt Name: Starlink 3918
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52486
International Designator
2022-049AM
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
185.50°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
200.34°
Period
94.99 min
Mean Motion
15.16 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-3918
Alternative Name
Starlink 3918
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52486U 22049AM 26200.83335647 .00080216 00000+0 41020-2 0 9996
2 52486 53.1596 185.4982 0000653 200.3447 223.1157 15.15958806 5843
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3918 satellite, also known as Starlink 3918, was manufactured by SPXS and is owned by the same entity. It was launched on May 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 220 kilograms, and it has an overall launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite's primary mission is communication. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The configuration details are not provided, but it has been identified as part of the Starlink Group 4-17-36 payload.
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 4-17-36
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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