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STARLINK-3048 (49148)
COSPAR: 2021-082U | Alt Name: Starlink 3048
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49148
International Designator
2021-082U
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:44:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
341.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.44°
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-3048
Alternative Name
Starlink 3048
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49148U 21082U 26185.15618984 .00000611 00000-0 60153-4 0 9990
2 49148 70.0003 341.9442 0002358 269.4351 90.6537 14.97524737263889
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-3048, also known as Starlink 3048, is part of the Starlink constellation manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on September 14, 2021, from AFWTR at SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms, and it weighed 297 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The primary mission of STARLINK-3048 is communication.
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 2-1-18
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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