Space Brief 11 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's NROL-153 launch, US Space Force activities in Greenland, Starlink's record-breaking flight, and a OneWeb satellite glitch. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight shines on Duchifat-1.
STARLINK-3980 (52611)
COSPAR: 2022-052P | Alt Name: Starlink 3980
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52611
International Designator
2022-052P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
50.39°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
86.00°
Period
94.60 min
Mean Motion
15.22 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-3980
Alternative Name
Starlink 3980
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52611U 22052P 26200.58335647 .00057599 00000+0 24712-2 0 9999
2 52611 53.1593 50.3946 0001780 86.0024 358.3359 15.22196708 5851
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3980 satellite, also known as Starlink 3980, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 14, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 275 kg and carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-15-14 and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, and it was designed to support communication purposes as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink constellation project.
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
275
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-15-14
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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