STARLINK-3159 (49415)

COSPAR: 2021-104H | Alt Name: Starlink 3159

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 13, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49415

International Designator

2021-104H

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:43:11 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

56.09°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

65.89°

Period

95.41 min

Mean Motion

15.09 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3159

Alternative Name

Starlink 3159

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49415U 21104H   26185.15499535  .00061585  00000-0  38030-2 0  9995

2 49415  53.1617  56.0920 0001733  65.8898 294.2274 15.09326350256342

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3159, also known as Starlink 3159, 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, this satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 270 kilograms and a launch mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft's shape is described as "Box + 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

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 4-1-8

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

The Satellite That Taught Us What We Were Doing to the Planet

Landsat 7 launched on April 15, 1999, designed to last five years. It operated for twenty-five, survived a failure that destroyed a fifth of every image it took, and became part of the longest continuous record of Earth's surface ever assembled. Then they made the data free.

Space Brief 28 Nov 2025

Discover the latest on China's Zhuque-3 launch, ISS crew updates, ESA's budget dealings, a strategic super-resolution partnership, and ACME Space's innovative plans.

Space Brief 15 May 2025

Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.

The Day That Humans Discovered Rocket Fuel

On February 2, 1909, Robert Goddard made a revolutionary breakthrough in his notebook: liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen could achieve 50% efficiency in converting heat energy to kinetic energy for rocket propulsion

X Report 15 Nov 2024

SpaceX preps for its sixth Starship test flight, moving the Super Heavy rocket to the pad. China's unveils a Starship-like reusable rocket concept, while Starlink expands with 24 new satellites launched.

X Report 18 Nov 2024

SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.

The Day Japan Joined the Geostationary Club

Forty-eight years ago, a pioneering satellite named Kiku 2 propelled Japan into the exclusive group of nations capable of operating satellites in geostationary orbit

X Report 5 Oct 2025

SpaceX secures major contracts for U.S. national security launches, including multiple Falcon Heavy missions. Significant updates on Starlink deployments and the ongoing evolution of the company highlight a productive day in the space sector.