STARLINK-3072 (49153)

COSPAR: 2021-082Z | Alt Name: Starlink 3072

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 2021

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49153

International Designator

2021-082Z

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:07:03 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

321.71°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.34°

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-3072

Alternative Name

Starlink 3072

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49153U 21082Z   26184.79656530 -.00000684  00000-0 -49572-4 0  9998

2 49153  70.0009 321.7088 0002626 270.3355  89.7503 14.98336423265569

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3072 satellite, also known as Starlink 3072, is a communication spacecraft operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on September 14, 2021, from the AFWTR launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket from SLC4E. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is part of the Starlink Group 2-1-23 mission for broadband internet provision. The dry mass of STARLINK-3072 is 275 kg, while its launch mass was 297 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries and maneuvered using krypton ion thrusters.

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

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 2-1-23

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

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