STARLINK-3948 (52546)

COSPAR: 2022-051P | Alt Name: Starlink 3948

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 13, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

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

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