STARLINK-3978 (52635)

COSPAR: 2022-052AP | Alt Name: Starlink 3978

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

52635

International Designator

2022-052AP

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:27:37 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

22.54°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

88.97°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3978

Alternative Name

Starlink 3978

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52635U 22052AP  26200.89418916  .00002112  00000+0  79778-4 0  9995

2 52635  53.1612  22.5359 0000895  88.9656 271.1448 15.31703161231136

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3978 satellite, also known as Starlink 3978, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 14, 2022, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Launch Complex 40. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its deployed structure. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its mission is to provide communication services.

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 4-15-38

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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