STARLINK-3985 (52644)

COSPAR: 2022-052AY | Alt Name: Starlink 3985

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

52644

International Designator

2022-052AY

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

24.89°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

80.79°

Period

94.68 min

Mean Motion

15.21 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-3985

Alternative Name

Starlink 3985

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52644U 22052AY  26200.83335647  .00034494  00000+0  15499-2 0  9994

2 52644  53.1603  24.8948 0001933  80.7930  19.4581 15.20855239  5787

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3985 satellite, also known as Starlink 3985, is part of the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 14, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, it features krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's dry mass is 275 kilograms, with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. It is powered by solar arrays complemented by batteries to maintain operations. Its shape is described as a box with an attached pan configuration.

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 4-15-47

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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