STARLINK-3969 (52551)

COSPAR: 2022-051U | Alt Name: Starlink 3969

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 13, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52551

International Designator

2022-051U

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

254.39°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

101.66°

Period

94.09 min

Mean Motion

15.30 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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3969

Alternative Name

Starlink 3969

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52551U 22051U   26200.83335647  .00003421  00000+0  12653-3 0  9996

2 52551  53.1588 254.3938 0000418 101.6619 230.1205 15.30468205  5834

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3969 is a communication satellite under the Starlink project, launched on May 13, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters when deployed. It weighs about 297 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 275 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-3969 also features solar arrays and batteries for power supply, and utilizes Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and operates as part of the Starlink Group 4-13-19 constellation.

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 4-13-19

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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