STARLINK-3997 (52609)

COSPAR: 2022-052M | Alt Name: Starlink 3997

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 14, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52609

International Designator

2022-052M

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:22:25 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

45.49°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

94.79°

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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3997

Alternative Name

Starlink 3997

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52609U 22052M   26200.84890242  .00000580  00000+0  54519-4 0  9990

2 52609  53.1605  45.4948 0001498  94.7884 265.3279 15.08835619230814

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3997 satellite, also known as Starlink 3997, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 14, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 275 kg and measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-15-12 payload and is equipped with Ku/Ka-band communication equipment, optical inter-satellite links, and krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and operates in a box plus panel shape configuration.

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 4-15-12

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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