Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
STARLINK-3157 (49413)
COSPAR: 2021-104F | Alt Name: Starlink 3157
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49413
International Designator
2021-104F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:49:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
56.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.43°
Period
95.40 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3157
Alternative Name
Starlink 3157
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49413U 21104F 26185.15952892 .00078464 00000-0 48125-2 0 9993
2 49413 53.1603 56.0775 0001649 85.4344 274.6836 15.09450779256353
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3157 is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS), launched on November 13, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 270 kilograms when dry and was launched at a mass of 290 kilograms. Its payload includes Ku/Ka-band equipment, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, batteries, and Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. It is part of the Starlink Group 4-1-6 constellation and has a box plus panel shape design.
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
270
Launch Mass
290
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-1-6
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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