Space Brief 30 Oct 2025
Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.
STARLINK-3903 (52462)
COSPAR: 2022-049M | Alt Name: Starlink 3903
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52462
International Designator
2022-049M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
185.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
35.64°
Period
94.95 min
Mean Motion
15.17 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-3903
Alternative Name
Starlink 3903
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52462U 22049M 26200.83335647 .00072848 00000+0 36654-2 0 9999
2 52462 53.1591 185.4816 0001651 35.6424 117.0237 15.16577372 5780
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3903 satellite, also known as Starlink 3903, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 297 kg at launch with a dry mass of 220 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for high-speed internet communications and an optical inter-satellite link for data transfer. Its power system includes solar arrays and batteries. For propulsion, it uses Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX and is owned by the same company as part of their Starlink Group 4-17-12 mission.
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 4-17-12
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
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