Starlink Crosses 10,000 Active Satellites, X Report 18 Mar 2026
Starlink satellite count 2026: SpaceX tops 10,000 active satellites, 10,037 working of 11,558 launched, under seven years after first launch.
STARLINK-3972 (52669)
COSPAR: 2022-053P | Alt Name: Starlink 3972
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52669
International Designator
2022-053P
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
278.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
178.98°
Period
94.60 min
Mean Motion
15.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3972
Alternative Name
Starlink 3972
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52669U 22053P 26201.25004630 .00040727 00000+0 17556-2 0 9996
2 52669 53.1595 278.1940 0000779 178.9817 52.5073 15.22195560 5848
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-3972 (OBJECT_ID: 2022-053P) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 18, 2022, from the Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters due to its extended components like solar arrays or antennas. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It weighs about 275 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with krypton ion thrusters, the satellite is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) as part of its Starlink Group 4-18-14 constellation aimed at providing global communication services.
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 4-18-14
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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