Space Brief 6 Jul 2025
Today’s brief covers the delayed launch of Australia's first orbital rocket, China's reusability programs, and the snow-enforced shutdown of a Chilean radio telescope.
STARLINK-3854 (52648)
COSPAR: 2022-052BC | Alt Name: Starlink 3854
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52648
International Designator
2022-052BC
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
22.50°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.12°
Period
94.17 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-3854
Alternative Name
Starlink 3854
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52648U 22052BC 26201.25004630 .00033765 00000+0 11826-2 0 9990
2 52648 53.1593 22.5031 0001818 83.1171 105.7852 15.29203693 5840
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3854 is a communication satellite, also known as Starlink 3854, operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on May 14, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kg and it was launched with a total mass of 297 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power. It features krypton ion thrusters as its motor and has a box-shaped structure with a pan configuration for its equipment setup. The purpose of STARLINK-3854 is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-15-51 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
275
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-15-51
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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