Space Brief 28 Mar 2025
Today's updates focus on significant developments in U.S. national security space launches, Army space training, potential shifts in satellite procurement strategies, and the Meteor 2-21 satellite.
STARLINK-3086 (49178)
COSPAR: 2021-082BA | Alt Name: Starlink 3086
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49178
International Designator
2021-082BA
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:43:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
70.00°
Right Ascension
1.74°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.29°
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-3086
Alternative Name
Starlink 3086
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49178U 21082BA 26184.78034264 .00000041 00000-0 11260-4 0 9996
2 49178 70.0003 1.7382 0002789 268.2866 91.7973 14.98330154264529
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3086 satellite, also known as Starlink 3086, is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on September 14, 2021, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. It is part of the Starlink Group 2-1-48 and has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite features a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its dry mass is recorded at 275 kilograms, with a launch mass of 297 kilograms. The shape of the satellite is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration.
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 2-1-48
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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