Space Brief 12 Nov 2024
Latest updates include China's Lijian-1 launching 15 satellites, a fiery Starlink reentry, SpaceX's milestone Falcon 9 booster landing, and China's support for its commercial space sector.
STARLINK-3126 (49444)
COSPAR: 2021-104AN | Alt Name: Starlink 3126
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49444
International Designator
2021-104AN
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:58:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
46.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
101.33°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3126
Alternative Name
Starlink 3126
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49444U 21104AN 26184.99916826 .00000097 00000-0 24202-4 0 9994
2 49444 53.1600 46.8054 0001255 101.3273 258.7860 15.08838930256474
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3126 satellite, also known as Starlink 3126, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on November 13, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its dry mass is 270 kg with a launch mass of 290 kg. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is equipped with Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 4-1-37
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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