X Report 3 Jul 2025
In a landmark achievement, SpaceX celebrated its 500th Falcon 9 launch by deploying 27 Starlink satellites while simultaneously advancing its reuse strategy with record-breaking milestones.
STARLINK-3902 (52487)
COSPAR: 2022-049AN | Alt Name: Starlink 3902
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52487
International Designator
2022-049AN
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
173.64°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
165.11°
Period
94.90 min
Mean Motion
15.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3902
Alternative Name
Starlink 3902
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52487U 22049AN 26201.25004630 .00036846 00000+0 18294-2 0 9996
2 52487 53.1590 173.6394 0001937 165.1071 206.3702 15.17365410 5744
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3902 satellite, also known as Starlink 3902, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink Group 4-17-37 mission launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on May 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It has a dry mass of 220 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link communications equipment, it also utilizes Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite’s shape is described as a box with panels and it serves the purpose of communication 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.
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 4-17-37
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.
Starship V3 Flight 12 Succeeds Despite Engine Shutdown | KeepTrack X Report
Starship V3 completed Flight 12 on May 22 despite one vacuum Raptor shutting down early, with SpaceX's IPO filing revealing bold Starlink Mobile ambitions.
X Report 30 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up the year with significant launches, including a record-setting Astranis deployment and Starlink missions signaling the year's end.
X Report 21 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites using a new Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands its satellite internet constellation.
X Report 21 Dec 2024
SpaceX prepares for Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission launch, while FAA updates license for Starship's next flight; Crew Dragon mission faces delays.
Space Brief 31 Aug 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2023
Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.
The Dog They Never Planned to Bring Home
On April 14, 1958, Sputnik 2 burned up over the North Atlantic, carrying the remains of a stray dog from Moscow who had been dead for five months. The Soviet Union told the world she survived for days. It took forty-five years for the truth to come out.