X Report 4 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to push forward with significant milestones, including the launch of additional Starlink satellites and progress on spectrum acquisitions.
STARLINK-3850 (52342)
COSPAR: 2022-045M | Alt Name: Starlink 3850
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52342
International Designator
2022-045M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:48:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
326.14°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
82.21°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3850
Alternative Name
Starlink 3850
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52342U 22045M 26200.74221593 .00003277 00000+0 22396-3 0 9995
2 52342 53.1620 326.1448 0001248 82.2136 277.8997 15.08828083235710
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3850 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on April 29, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite’s design includes a box shape with a panoramic feature to support its mission objectives.
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 4-16-12
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.
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.
X Report 13 Feb 2025
SpaceX and NASA swap Crew Dragon for Crew-10 mission; exciting 'space jellyfish' phenomena from recent launch.
A Tribute to Albert Einstein
Ask anyone on the street who the smartest person ever was, and most will say Albert Einstein. Exactly 71 years ago today, this genius departed from the world. Today, we examine Einstein's innumerable contributions to astronomy and how he shaped space history for years to come.
Largest Satellite Debris Events
Space debris poses a mounting threat to both satellites and space missions. As we send more objects into orbit, the likelihood of collisions and subsequent breakups producing dangerous space debris increases. Recognizing the major events that have generated this dangerous space junk is pivotal in ensuring the safety of future space missions.
X Report 15 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.
X Report 11 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 21 military satellites, marking a key achievement in national security efforts, while preparations continue for the upcoming NASA mission and insights emerge from the Starship development process.
SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)
The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.