STARLINK-3949 (52555)

COSPAR: 2022-051Y | Alt Name: Starlink 3949

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 13, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52555

International Designator

2022-051Y

Decay Date

9/10/2025

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3949

Alternative Name

Starlink 3949

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-3949 satellite, also known as Starlink 3949, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 13, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is designed for communication purposes and uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The spacecraft has Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and is shaped like a box with an additional pan structure. It was manufactured by SPXS and operates under the ownership of SPXS, being part of the Starlink Group 4-13-23 mission.

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 4-13-23

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

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