Space Brief 2 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.
STARLINK-3861 (52503)
COSPAR: 2022-049BE | Alt Name: Starlink 3861
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52503
International Designator
2022-049BE
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:49:55 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
167.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
76.42°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3861
Alternative Name
Starlink 3861
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52503U 22049BE 26200.32633493 -.00000355 00000+0 -42025-5 0 9997
2 52503 53.1598 167.7732 0001301 76.4246 283.6890 15.08833450232409
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3861 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on May 6, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at Cape Canaveral using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its deployed solar arrays. It weighs 297 kilograms at launch and 220 kilograms dry, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link for connectivity within the Starlink constellation. STARLINK-3861 uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and has a box plus pan shape. It was launched as part of the Starlink Group 4-17-53 mission to provide global internet coverage.
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 4-17-53
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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