STARLINK-3878 (52479)

COSPAR: 2022-049AE | Alt Name: Starlink 3878

Image
STARLINK-3878 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 6, 2022

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52479

International Designator

2022-049AE

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:03:50 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

174.29°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

85.99°

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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3878

Alternative Name

Starlink 3878

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 52479U 22049AE  26201.12766821 -.00000725  00000+0 -27429-4 0  9991
2 52479  53.1592 174.2882 0001366  85.9917 274.1231 15.08838509233624

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-3878 satellite, also known as Starlink 3878, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 6, 2022, from the LC39A launch pad at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. Its dry mass is 220 kilograms, with an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is generated through solar arrays and batteries on board. The mission objectives are centered around providing global communication services.

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 4-17-29

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

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