X Report 4 Mar 2025
SpaceX faces a series of challenges with scrubbing the Starship Flight 8 launch and losing a Falcon 9 booster post-landing, while successfully deploying new Starlink satellites.
STARLINK-3966 (52552)
COSPAR: 2022-051V | Alt Name: Starlink 3966
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
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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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.
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 4-13-20
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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