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STARLINK-3116 (49146)
COSPAR: 2021-082S | Alt Name: Starlink 3116
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49146
International Designator
2021-082S
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:56:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
342.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.94°
Period
96.16 min
Mean Motion
14.98 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-3116
Alternative Name
Starlink 3116
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49146U 21082S 26184.83056254 -.00000817 00000-0 -61992-4 0 9990
2 49146 69.9956 342.7841 0002931 265.9404 94.1420 14.97528901264990
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3116 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on September 14, 2021, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and weighed 297 kilograms at launch. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 2-1-16 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 2-1-16
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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