STARLINK-3987 (52699)

COSPAR: 2022-053AV | Alt Name: Starlink 3987

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

52699

International Designator

2022-053AV

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

260.87°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

50.28°

Period

93.85 min

Mean Motion

15.34 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3987

Alternative Name

Starlink 3987

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 52699U 22053AV  26201.25004630  .00055642  00000+0  16441-2 0  9993

2 52699  53.1596 260.8661 0000771  50.2833 357.1554 15.34432602  5855

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3987 is a Starlink satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. Launched on May 18, 2022, from the Kennedy Space Center's LC39A pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 275 kg and measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor and has a box-shaped body 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

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 4-18-44

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Pentagon Cancels OPIR Polar After Northrop Sensor Delivery | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon cancels Next-Generation OPIR Polar program after Northrop Grumman delivered sensor payload. LEO and MEO alternatives deemed sufficient for missile-warning coverage.

Space Brief 16 Sep 2025

Today's brief highlights the impact of military spending and technology competition on the space economy, new satellite connectivity partnerships, and defense spending pledges in Europe.

The Evolution of Space Stations

A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.

X Report 24 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its CRS-33 Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, while preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10 continue, highlighting significant advancements in both cargo operations and test flight reliability.

The Day Humanity Got Its First Close-up of the Future Apollo Landing Site

Sixty years ago, a pioneering spacecraft called Ranger 8 captured thousands of detailed photographs of the lunar surface before intentionally crashing into the Moon, helping pave the way for humanity's first steps on another world

X Report 6 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites, marking the start of a busy month for their satellite deployment efforts. The mission is part of an ongoing expansion of their broadband internet constellation.

X Report 27 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully completes a critical test flight of its Starship vehicle while gearing up for another Starlink satellite launch, showcasing significant advancements in their launch capabilities.

X Report 30 Nov 2024

SpaceX executes dual Starlink launches and secures Dragonfly mission contract while managing NRO satellite deployment.