Space Brief 9 Jul 2025
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STARLINK-3943 (52557)
COSPAR: 2022-051AA | Alt Name: Starlink 3943
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52557
International Designator
2022-051AA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
254.84°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
94.35°
Period
94.38 min
Mean Motion
15.26 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-3943
Alternative Name
Starlink 3943
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52557U 22051AA 26200.83335647 -.00002808 00000+0 -95497-4 0 9990
2 52557 53.1591 254.8392 0001804 94.3462 127.2000 15.25717196 5735
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3943 is a communication satellite under the Starlink program, launched by SpaceX on May 13, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span with solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It weighs 275 kilograms dry mass and 297 kilograms at launch. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link communication equipment, as well as Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its purpose is to provide communication services, and it belongs to SpaceX.
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 4-13-25
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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