Space Brief 11 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights key developments in space technology, military space activities, and satellite refueling initiatives. Discover the latest on GEO satellite refueling, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and more.
STARLINK-3955 (52561)
COSPAR: 2022-051AE | Alt Name: Starlink 3955
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52561
International Designator
2022-051AE
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
258.72°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.68°
Period
93.87 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-3955
Alternative Name
Starlink 3955
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52561U 22051AE 26200.83335647 .00040223 00000+0 12076-2 0 9996
2 52561 53.1590 258.7211 0001787 89.6812 98.7946 15.34072598 5830
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-3955 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-051AE) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 13, 2022, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 275 kilograms with a total launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. The satellite is owned and operated by SPXS as part of the Starlink Group 4-13-29 constellation.
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 4-13-29
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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