X Report 22 Nov 2024
SpaceX edges closer to increased Starship launch approvals, secures lunar rover delivery, eyes potential military collaboration, and continues rapid satellite deployment.
STARLINK-3986 (52623)
COSPAR: 2022-052AB | Alt Name: Starlink 3986
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52623
International Designator
2022-052AB
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
32.91°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
355.87°
Period
94.55 min
Mean Motion
15.23 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3986
Alternative Name
Starlink 3986
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52623U 22052AB 26201.25004630 .00013718 00000+0 58955-3 0 9994
2 52623 53.1610 32.9113 0000634 355.8729 289.0113 15.22959015 5791
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3986 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation, launched on May 14, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it utilizes Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan configuration and it is owned and operated by SpaceX.
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 4-15-26
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
House Backs $55.5B Space Force Budget, Excludes $350B Reconciliation | KeepTrack Space Brief
House appropriators approved $55.5 billion for Space Force but omitted $350 billion reconciliation funds, threatening Golden Dome and large-scale space programs' acquisition timelines.
X Report 22 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks a successful launch of 21 Starlink satellites, follows up after Starship explosion, and influences Qantas flights amid a busy operational schedule.
Space Brief 20 May 2025
Today's brief covers potential roles for commercial satellites in missile defense, SpaceX's new launch site plans at Vandenberg, and partnerships for space nuclear propulsion. Discover updates on military space projects and international defense agreements.
X Report 18 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.
Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.
Space Brief 22 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights key advancements in space technology and innovative military initiatives. Featuring deep space tracking system upgrades, a push towards quantum communications in orbit, and critical radar developments.
Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet
Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.