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STARLINK-3971 (52642)
COSPAR: 2022-052AW | Alt Name: Starlink 3971
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52642
International Designator
2022-052AW
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
22.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
149.59°
Period
94.36 min
Mean Motion
15.26 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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3971
Alternative Name
Starlink 3971
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52642U 22052AW 26201.25004630 .00027873 00000+0 10752-2 0 9994
2 52642 53.1611 22.7836 0000661 149.5855 156.1888 15.26118333 5843
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3971 satellite, also known as Starlink 3971, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 14, 2022, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The spacecraft carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. It is equipped with krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and solar arrays combined with batteries to provide power. The dry mass of the satellite is 275 kg, while it had a launch mass of 297 kg. Its shape consists of a box structure with an added pan component.
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 4-15-45
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
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