Space Brief 24 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.
STARLINK-3881 (52472)
COSPAR: 2022-049X | Alt Name: Starlink 3881
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52472
International Designator
2022-049X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
185.49°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
112.25°
Period
94.99 min
Mean Motion
15.16 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-3881
Alternative Name
Starlink 3881
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52472U 22049X 26200.83335647 .00082215 00000+0 42040-2 0 9995
2 52472 53.1610 185.4899 0002527 112.2459 195.3584 15.15947070 5786
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite named STARLINK-3881 (NORAD_CAT_ID: 52472) was launched on May 6, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation and manufactured by SPXS with a mission focused on communication services. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its appendages are extended. Its dry mass is 220 kg, and it weighs 297 kg at launch. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication services along with optical inter-satellite links, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries.
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 4-17-22
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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