STARLINK-3973 (52645)

COSPAR: 2022-052AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 3973

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

52645

International Designator

2022-052AZ

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

22.56°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

82.75°

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

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3973

Alternative Name

Starlink 3973

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52645U 22052AZ  26200.83335647  .00009702  00000+0  32408-3 0  9999

2 52645  53.1606  22.5627 0001369  82.7506 250.3867 15.31692935  5837

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3973 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS and launched on May 14, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and was launched at a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-15-48 constellation.

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 4-15-48

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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