STARLINK-3003 (48879)

COSPAR: 2021-059A | Alt Name: Starlink 3003
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-3003 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 30, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48879

International Designator

2021-059A

Decay Date

8/30/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3003

Alternative Name

Starlink 3003

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-3003 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-059A) is a Starlink satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on June 30, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are extended. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has solar arrays along with batteries to provide power. The shape of the spacecraft is described as box-shaped with panels.

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

248

Launch Mass

260

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink TSP2-01

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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