STARLINK-3966 (52552)

COSPAR: 2022-051V | Alt Name: Starlink 3966

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 13, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52552

International Designator

2022-051V

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

253.54°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

66.51°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 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-3966

Alternative Name

Starlink 3966

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52552U 22051V   26200.83335647 -.00028022  00000+0 -89415-3 0  9993

2 52552  53.1601 253.5381 0001156  66.5076  81.7902 15.31715783  5538

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3966 satellite, also known as Starlink 3966, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 13, 2022, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays, the satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and relies on solar power complemented by batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and it serves the mission of providing global internet connectivity as part of SpaceX's Starlink Group 4-13-20 project.

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 4-13-20

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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