X Report 18 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.
STARLINK-3896 (52456)
COSPAR: 2022-049F | Alt Name: Starlink 3896
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52456
International Designator
2022-049F
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:52:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
193.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
75.46°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 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-3896
Alternative Name
Starlink 3896
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52456U 22049F 26201.24455431 .00000195 00000+0 30342-4 0 9998
2 52456 53.1590 193.7625 0001128 75.4636 284.6481 15.08832977232126
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3896 satellite, also known as Starlink 3896, is a communication spacecraft manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on May 6, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs around 220 kilograms dry with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-17-06 mission, designed to provide communication services. It employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 4-17-06
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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