Space Brief 27 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual Starlink launches, NASA's progress on the Dragonfly mission to Titan, and delays in Starlink's Indian market entry.
STARLINK-3959 (52564)
COSPAR: 2022-051AH | Alt Name: Starlink 3959
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52564
International Designator
2022-051AH
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:41:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
262.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
70.20°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3959
Alternative Name
Starlink 3959
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52564U 22051AH 26200.44552463 -.00000206 00000+0 51593-5 0 9991
2 52564 53.1588 262.3650 0000955 70.2038 289.9056 15.08835469231269
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3959 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 13, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a box-like shape with solar panels and measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are fully extended. The satellite weighs approximately 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link for data transfer. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters, while solar arrays and batteries provide power.
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 4-13-32
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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