STARLINK-3056 (49159)

COSPAR: 2021-082AF | Alt Name: Starlink 3056

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 2021

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49159

International Designator

2021-082AF

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:26:30 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

0.73°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.98°

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-3056

Alternative Name

Starlink 3056

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49159U 21082AF  26185.18507435  .00000160  00000-0  21225-4 0  9999

2 49159  70.0002   0.7304 0002818 267.9783  92.1054 14.98331558264521

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3056 satellite, also known as Starlink 3056, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). 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, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters. With a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and employs Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design. It belongs to the Starlink Group 2-1-29 constellation and serves the mission of providing global communication services.

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 2-1-29

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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