X Report 24 Dec 2025
SpaceX gears up for significant 2026 launches while a Starlink satellite anomaly provides insights into its operations.
STARLINK-3901 (52574)
COSPAR: 2022-051AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 3901
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52574
International Designator
2022-051AQ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:17:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
240.65°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
68.06°
Period
93.78 min
Mean Motion
15.35 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-3901
Alternative Name
Starlink 3901
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52574U 22051AQ 26200.84523135 .00001589 00000+0 56379-4 0 9990
2 52574 53.1590 240.6542 0000974 68.0597 292.0509 15.35440421231604
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3901 is a communication satellite launched on May 13, 2022, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft, part of the Starlink Group 4-13-39, measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It features Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links for data transmission and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's dry mass is 275 kilograms, while its launch mass was 297 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it serves a communication mission, owned by the same entity, with no further details provided on major events or materials composition.
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 4-13-39
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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