STARLINK-3960 (52659)

COSPAR: 2022-053D | Alt Name: Starlink 3960

Image
STARLINK-3960 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 18, 2022

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52659

International Designator

2022-053D

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

279.99°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

71.62°

Period

94.53 min

Mean Motion

15.23 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3960

Alternative Name

Starlink 3960

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 52659U 22053D   26200.83335647  .00005257  00000+0  23261-3 0  9993
2 52659  53.1589 279.9894 0001671  71.6155 191.3062 15.23284707  5835

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-3960 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-053D) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 18, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays extended. The satellite's dry mass is about 275 kilograms, while its launch mass was 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for high-speed communication and an optical inter-satellite link for data exchange within the constellation, STARLINK-3960 utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power system consists of solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as a box with a 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

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 4-18-04

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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