X Report 5 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Maxar's high-resolution imaging satellites, Ontario reconsiders its Starlink contract, and the countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission begins.
STARLINK-3161 (49422)
COSPAR: 2021-104Q | Alt Name: Starlink 3161
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49422
International Designator
2021-104Q
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
65.56°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
71.11°
Period
95.22 min
Mean Motion
15.12 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-3161
Alternative Name
Starlink 3161
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49422U 21104Q 26185.33336806 .00013280 00000-0 77375-3 0 9999
2 49422 53.1598 65.5622 0001316 71.1113 80.2294 15.12305999 4750
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3161 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX on November 13, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 2.8 meters in diameter and spans 9 meters with solar arrays, having a dry mass of 270 kilograms and a launch mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite links. Propulsion is provided by krypton ion thrusters, and the power system consists of solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box-like with pan elements, and it operates in a communication mission under SpaceX ownership.
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 4-1-15
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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