STARLINK-3046 (49169)

COSPAR: 2021-082AR | Alt Name: Starlink 3046

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 2021

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49169

International Designator

2021-082AR

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:06:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

70.00°

Right Ascension

342.56°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.75°

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-3046

Alternative Name

Starlink 3046

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49169U 21082AR  26184.46299934 -.00000025  00000-0  57314-5 0  9992

2 49169  70.0000 342.5593 0003052 267.7489  92.3321 14.98331659263811

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3046 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX on September 14, 2021, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is designed for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The shape of the satellite is described as box plus pan.

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 2-1-39

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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Latitude

Longitude

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Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

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