Space Brief 31 Dec 2025
Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.
STARLINK-3057 (49139)
COSPAR: 2021-082K | Alt Name: Starlink 3057
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49139
International Designator
2021-082K
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
318.74°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.49°
Period
94.73 min
Mean Motion
15.20 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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3057
Alternative Name
Starlink 3057
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49139U 21082K 26185.33336806 .00098665 00000-0 44928-2 0 9996
2 49139 70.0006 318.7373 0002815 268.4929 238.5107 15.20155716 4899
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3057 satellite, also known as Starlink 3057, is operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on September 14, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base’s SLC-4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and weighed 297 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it supports communication missions through its krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite’s structure consists of a box shape with panel extensions, designed to provide stable communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-1-09 constellation.
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 2-1-09
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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