Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium for $8B, X Report 30 Jun 2026
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8B to challenge SpaceX, whose Starlink constellation holds 10,706 working satellites of 12,390 launched.
STARLINK-3912 (52502)
COSPAR: 2022-049BD | Alt Name: Starlink 3912
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52502
International Designator
2022-049BD
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:21:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
163.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.20°
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
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3912
Alternative Name
Starlink 3912
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52502U 22049BD 26201.26475514 -.00000040 00000+0 15575-4 0 9997
2 52502 53.1602 163.7021 0001513 83.1981 276.9183 15.08831052232548
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite named STARLINK-3912 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-049BD) was launched on May 6, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, it has a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is recorded as 220 kilograms with an initial launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication along with optical inter-satellite links and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power generation relies on solar arrays supported by batteries. The satellite is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and operates as part of the Starlink Group 4-17-52 constellation, aimed at enhancing global internet connectivity.
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 4-17-52
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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