STARLINK-3871 (52496)

COSPAR: 2022-049AX | Alt Name: Starlink 3871

Image
STARLINK-3871 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 6, 2022

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52496

International Designator

2022-049AX

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

168.22°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

110.34°

Period

94.59 min

Mean Motion

15.22 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-3871

Alternative Name

Starlink 3871

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 52496U 22049AX  26201.25004630  .00036894  00000+0  15862-2 0  9997
2 52496  53.1600 168.2166 0001155 110.3359 113.9917 15.22329794  5692

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-3871 satellite, also known as Starlink 3871 and part of the Starlink Group 4-17-46 payload, was launched on May 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 220 kg with a launch mass of 297 kg. It was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) for communication purposes and is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters. Power is provided 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.
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 4-17-46

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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