X Report 28 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, continuing to expand its broadband satellite network.
STARLINK-3938 (52566)
COSPAR: 2022-051AK | Alt Name: Starlink 3938
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52566
International Designator
2022-051AK
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
259.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
134.65°
Period
94.52 min
Mean Motion
15.24 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-3938
Alternative Name
Starlink 3938
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52566U 22051AK 26200.83335647 -.00001668 00000+0 -55088-4 0 9995
2 52566 53.1595 259.3482 0001203 134.6542 233.1180 15.23553173 5837
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 52566 and OBJECT_ID 2022-051AK is a Starlink satellite launched on May 13, 2022, from the Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring a box shape with an additional pan design. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Power generation is achieved through solar arrays complemented by batteries. The satellite's primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-13-34 constellation, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 4-13-34
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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