STARLINK-3961 (52637)

COSPAR: 2022-052AR | Alt Name: Starlink 3961

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

52637

International Designator

2022-052AR

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:40:15 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

22.82°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

99.85°

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-3961

Alternative Name

Starlink 3961

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52637U 22052AR  26200.81962852  .00001864  00000+0  71816-4 0  9990

2 52637  53.1611  22.8230 0001166  99.8520 260.2613 15.31702865231921

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3961 satellite, also known as Starlink 3961, is part of the Starlink Group 4-15-40 and was launched on May 14, 2022, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Its primary purpose is communication, with an equipment payload that includes Ku/Ka-band transceivers and optical inter-satellite links, powered by solar arrays and batteries. STARLINK-3961 is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped body with an added pan configuration. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and operated under the ownership of SpaceX as part of its global communication constellation mission.

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 4-15-40

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

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