STARLINK-3138 (49430)

COSPAR: 2021-104Y | Alt Name: Starlink 3138

Image
STARLINK-3138 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 13, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49430

International Designator

2021-104Y

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

65.52°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

88.84°

Period

95.18 min

Mean Motion

15.13 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-3138

Alternative Name

Starlink 3138

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 49430U 21104Y   26185.33336806  .00037709  00000-0  21213-2 0  9999
2 49430  53.1597  65.5242 0000447  88.8382 242.0409 15.12931812  4859

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The Starlink satellite designated as STARLINK-3138 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-104Y) was launched on November 13, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is owned and operated by SpaceX for communication purposes and weighs approximately 270 kg dry with solar arrays and batteries providing power. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link capabilities, utilizing Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters, it has a box + pan shape and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).

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 4-1-23

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

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