X Report 23 Aug 2025
This week's highlights include the successful launch of the X-37B spaceplane and the deployment of 24 new Starlink satellites, alongside preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10.
STARLINK-3102 (49151)
COSPAR: 2021-082X | Alt Name: Starlink 3102
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49151
International Designator
2021-082X
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:19:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
321.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.13°
Period
96.11 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-3102
Alternative Name
Starlink 3102
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49151U 21082X 26184.80490750 .00000405 00000-0 41706-4 0 9998
2 49151 70.0002 321.6803 0003165 270.1271 89.9526 14.98334404265551
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3102 satellite, also known as Starlink 3102, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on September 14, 2021, from the AFWTR Launch Site at SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 275 kilograms dry and was launched with a mass of 297 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment for communication purposes along with an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 2-1-21
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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