STARLINK-3050 (49180)

COSPAR: 2021-082BC | Alt Name: Starlink 3050

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 14, 2021

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49180

International Designator

2021-082BC

Epoch

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:48:29 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

69.98°

Right Ascension

215.88°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

294.12°

Period

87.35 min

Mean Motion

16.49 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-3050

Alternative Name

Starlink 3050

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49180U 21082BC  26084.20034426  .13125252  44702-5  18141-3 0  9997

2 49180  69.9781 215.8793 0009491 294.1172  65.9070 16.48580466250459

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3050 satellite, also known as Starlink 3050, is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on September 14, 2021, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 275 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation.

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 2-1-50

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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