STARLINK-3976 (52673)

COSPAR: 2022-053T | Alt Name: Starlink 3976

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 18, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

52673

International Designator

2022-053T

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

278.39°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

137.95°

Period

95.02 min

Mean Motion

15.15 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-3976

Alternative Name

Starlink 3976

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52673U 22053T   26201.25004630  .00038883  00000+0  20383-2 0  9993

2 52673  53.1593 278.3906 0001897 137.9513  52.6075 15.15429933  5855

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3976 satellite, also known as Starlink 3976, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 18, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs 297 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 275 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and its span is 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape consists of a box with panels attached to it and serves the purpose of enhancing global internet connectivity.

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 4-18-18

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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