The Day We Lost Apollo 1
Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture
STARLINK-3991 (52641)
COSPAR: 2022-052AV | Alt Name: Starlink 3991
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52641
International Designator
2022-052AV
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:06:40 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
22.84°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
90.23°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3991
Alternative Name
Starlink 3991
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52641U 22052AV 26200.79630778 .00002093 00000+0 79158-4 0 9993
2 52641 53.1612 22.8352 0001477 90.2325 269.8846 15.31712569231122
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3991, also known as Starlink 3991, is a communication satellite launched on May 14, 2022, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a 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 weighs 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power generation. The mission objective is communication as part of the Starlink Group 4-15-44 constellation managed by SPXS (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 4-15-44
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.
Space Brief 17 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include key advancements for the Dream Chaser, SpaceX's record launches, Moon mission crowding concerns, and updates in European space policy.
Katalyst Link Clears Tests for $500M SPARCS Rescue | KeepTrack Space Brief
Katalyst's Link spacecraft passes key testing milestone ahead of June 2026 launch to rescue NASA's $500M SPARCS telescope. In-space servicing mission will create trackable conjunction risk during approach and docking phase.
New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully reused its first stage booster for the first time on Mission 3, launching April 19. Booster reuse accelerates operational tempo.
Space Brief 29 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers China's Beidou satellite plans, SpaceX's Starship advancements, potential Space Command HQ relocation, and more.
The Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit
Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation
Space Force Opens Secret Tracking Data to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force shares classified tracking data with commercial firms. Falcon 9 reentry linked to upper-atmosphere lithium plume. SpaceX launches 54 Starlink sats in one day.
Starlink Update: March 2024
As of March 2024, SpaceX's Starlink has made remarkable strides in its quest to provide global broadband internet access. With an astounding number of satellites already in orbit and ambitious plans for expansion, Starlink is on track to dominate Earth's orbit in the coming years.