Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.
STARLINK-3948 (52546)
COSPAR: 2022-051P | Alt Name: Starlink 3948
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52546
International Designator
2022-051P
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
250.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.91°
Period
93.79 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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-3948
Alternative Name
Starlink 3948
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52546U 22051P 26201.00002315 .00047927 00000+0 13771-2 0 9993
2 52546 53.1583 250.1962 0001135 87.9098 34.2978 15.35377117 5834
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-3948 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-051P) is a part of the Starlink constellation, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 13, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, with a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link. The power system includes solar arrays and batteries, while the propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters.
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
275
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-13-14
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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