Space Brief 9 Dec 2024
Highlights include China's rising threats in space, a new Starlink launch, NASA's optimistic future, and a cosmic conjunction featuring the Moon and Saturn.
STARLINK-3150 (49452)
COSPAR: 2021-104AW | Alt Name: Starlink 3150
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49452
International Designator
2021-104AW
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
55.15°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.72°
Period
94.87 min
Mean Motion
15.18 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-3150
Alternative Name
Starlink 3150
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49452U 21104AW 26185.33336806 .01258198 00000-0 56077-1 0 9996
2 49452 53.1600 55.1471 0001845 89.7193 85.9602 15.17832194 4903
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3150 satellite, also known as Starlink 3150, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on November 13, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It weighs 270 kg dry and had a launch mass of 290 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite also uses Krypton ion thrusters as propulsion. Its power system consists of solar arrays and batteries.
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 4-1-45
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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