X Report 10 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with record-breaking Falcon launches while overcoming regulatory challenges for Starlink in India.
STARLINK-3049 (49436)
COSPAR: 2021-104AE | Alt Name: Starlink 3049
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49436
International Designator
2021-104AE
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:18:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
47.29°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
87.89°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3049
Alternative Name
Starlink 3049
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49436U 21104AE 26184.88781035 -.00000168 00000-0 75323-5 0 9996
2 49436 53.1604 47.2943 0001378 87.8851 272.2299 15.08833987256459
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3049 satellite, also known as Starlink 3049, was launched on November 13, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink Group 4-1-29 and falls under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. Its dry mass is 270 kilograms with a launch mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite links along with Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Power generation relies on solar arrays complemented by batteries. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with an additional panel structure.
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 4-1-29
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Apogee and Perigee
Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.
Space Brief 18 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.
Falcon 9 to Lift Cygnus as Artemis II Hits Midpoint | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 targets ISS Cygnus resupply as Artemis II reaches its halfway mark and SpaceX HLS commitment draws NASA praise.
Space Brief 20 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.
Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon's DIU seeks commercial partners for GEO spy satellites. SpaceX unveils space traffic management system. Bahamas rocket landings resume. GPS III falls short in modern warfare.
Space Brief 17 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2024
U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.