STARLINK-3956 (52560)

COSPAR: 2022-051AD | Alt Name: Starlink 3956

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 13, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52560

International Designator

2022-051AD

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:46:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

246.96°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

89.83°

Period

95.44 min

Mean Motion

15.09 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-3956

Alternative Name

Starlink 3956

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52560U 22051AD  26200.53244847  .00000384  00000+0  42208-4 0  9999

2 52560  53.1603 246.9643 0001230  89.8293 270.2839 15.08829001231480

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3956 satellite, also known as Starlink 3956, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 13, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays extended. The dry mass is 275 kilograms, while the launch mass was 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for high-speed data transmission and an optical inter-satellite link to communicate with other Starlink satellites. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation.

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 4-13-28

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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