Space Brief 20 Aug 2024
Polaris Dawn's upcoming commercial spacewalk, successful lunar orbit by Chinese spacecraft, and more space news including SpaceX's Starlink mission, RFA's static-fire failure, and advances in satellite technology.
STARLINK-3999 (52704)
COSPAR: 2022-053BA | Alt Name: Starlink 3999
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52704
International Designator
2022-053BA
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
257.90°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
68.52°
Period
94.56 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
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3999
Alternative Name
Starlink 3999
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52704U 22053BA 26201.25004630 .00020402 00000+0 87062-3 0 9994
2 52704 53.1605 257.8962 0001347 68.5222 86.4023 15.22905211 5858
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-3999 satellite, also known as Starlink 3999 and part of the Starlink Group 4-18-49, was launched on May 18, 2022, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, it has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan, and it is owned and manufactured by SPXS for the purpose of providing 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 4-18-49
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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